Executive Summary

In an effort to decrease polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and other toxic chemical contamination in Washington waters, the Spokane River Regional Toxics Task Force (SRRTTF) is working on multifaceted approaches to reduce loading that include both regulatory and voluntary initiatives. This project addresses inadvertently generated PCBs that are released into waterways, with a focus on PCBs in paper and packaging materials. Northwest Green Chemistry was contracted to prepare a white paper that could be used to inform external stakeholders and to suggest next steps for reducing inadvertent PCB contamination using green chemistry, alternatives assessment and voluntary market-based strategies.

The issue of whether inadvertent PCBs in pigments used on individual packages and newsprint present a risk to users of those materials is not the focus of this paper. Rather, the issue is that inadvertent PCBs in pigments are ubiquitous and provide a steady flow of additional PCBs into products and the environment on a global scale. Pigments used on paper and packaging materials contaminate recycling streams that hinder both recycling businesses and our ability to achieve a safe and healthy circular economy. The continued discharge of PCBs into waterways decreases the effectiveness of expensive, ongoing remediation efforts designed to protect human and environmental health. This is occurring at a time when the government in China has announced that it will no longer be accepting international paper and plastic waste for recycling and there is growing awareness of damage from consumer product waste that is mismanaged and found to pollute the ocean and other water bodies. Calls for a circular economy that 1) designs out waste and pollution, 2) keeps products and materials in use, and 3) regenerates natural systems are growing.

This paper and related presentation materials represent the first phase of work intended to inform and engage external stakeholders about inadvertent PCBs in pigments used for paper packaging and newsprint and to motivate them to take strategic action to identify and adopt inherently safer pigments that contain no or ultra-low levels of inadvertent PCBs. It provides some background information on the scope of the problem including sources of inadvertent PCBs and regional inadvertent PCB control initiatives. Information is derived from reviews of media articles, presentations, scientific studies and interviews with stakeholders. The report also includes recommendations for next steps including targeted collaborations, green chemistry and engineering research projects, alternatives assessment, and model procurement activities that can help drive the substitution of pigments containing the highest levels of inadvertent PCBs with alternatives that contain no or ultra low levels of inadvertent PCBs.