Read the full article by Megan Quinn (Waste Dive)
“Those in the waste, organics,recycling and landfill industry have long advocated for manufacturers and businesses to phase out PFAS-containing items to stem the flow of such material into disposal sites. The tactic is seen as a preventive measure that could reduce overall costs of treating PFAS down the road.
Ally Cunningham, a partner at Lathrop GPM who focuses on PFAS and other environmental litigation, said the general public is becoming more informed and aware about the possible health impacts of PFAS and are asking more and more for PFAS-free alternatives.
In response, some companies, such as McDonald’s and Burger King, have announced voluntary phaseouts of PFAS in packaging by 2025. Recently, Starbucks announced it would eliminate PFAS in its U.S. packaging by the end of the year.
However, both McDonald’s and Burger King, along with fast casual Mediterranean chain Cava, are the subject of lawsuits after a recent report from Consumer Reports found significant levels of PFAS in the chains’ packaging. The lawsuits allege false advertising and deceptive business practices, and Cunningham expects that additional restaurants could become part of the ‘significant flurry’ of litigation.” …