A new study from Iowa State University has compiled a worldwide overview of restricted and regulated chemical substances used in food contact materials, offering packaging manufacturers a practical resource to support safer and more compliant product development.
The research, supported by the Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences (IAFNS), consolidates publicly available restricted substance lists from multiple jurisdictions. The resulting database identifies chemicals of concern that are frequently subject to regulation due to their potential risks to human health, the environment, and recycling systems.
Researchers at Iowa State’s Polymer and Food Protection Consortium said the tool is designed to help converters, brand owners, and regulators make informed decisions during the early stages of packaging design.
“This work can serve as a framework for converters, brand owners, and regulatory decision makers for updating or developing new restricted substance lists to mitigate potential risks of hazardous chemicals to human and environmental health in the packaging industry,” said Greg Curtzwiler, associate professor of food science and human nutrition at Iowa State University.
The study examined a range of chemicals—including phthalates, bisphenols, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), flame retardants, and heavy metals—commonly used in adhesives, pigments, sealants, coatings, and other components that make up multilayer plastics, paper packaging, and can linings.
By mapping threshold limits, regulatory restrictions, and applications across international frameworks, the database provides a unified reference point for companies seeking to design compliant materials for global markets.
Curtzwiler said the initiative was not intended to create an exhaustive global list but rather to offer “context to why some chemicals are frequently found” on restricted lists. The research aims to encourage packaging converters to transition toward safer and more sustainable material alternatives before entering production.
The work responds to rising concern from consumers and regulators about chemical migration from packaging materials into food products. By consolidating regulatory data into one accessible platform, the Iowa State project enables packaging producers to anticipate compliance challenges early and reduce reliance on substances with potential adverse effects.
The database represents a notable advancement in harmonizing chemical management for food contact materials, providing both industry and regulators with a clear, science-based framework to promote safer innovation in packaging design.
