Amazon Creates New Restricted Substances List
In December 2020, Amazon announced they will avoid the intentional addition of chemicals in certain products in their U.S. and EU market. These restrictions concern Amazon’s food contact packaging. The chemicals targeted have carcinogenic, mutagenic, reproductive, and other toxicant properties. Amazon also focused on chemicals that are persistent and bioaccumulative. The chemicals on the restricted substances list include all PFAS, phthalates, and BPA. This announcement comes shortly after a 2020 court case closed in December, in which the plaintiff alleged Amazon had PFAS in their disposable plates.
Amazon has updated their chemicals and restricted substances page on the website to reflect the announcement. The company already seeks to avoid a number of chemicals in their Amazon brands of Private Brand Baby, Household Cleaning, Personal Care, and Beauty products, including formaldehyde, nonylphenols, parabens, and phthalates.