In today's fast-paced world, the modern consumer seeks solace and security within the walls of their homes. From furniture to appliances, every household item can affect this sense of safety and comfort. This includes cookware, which has become a centerpiece of our lives, serving as a hub for relationships, passions, and nourishment.
In this context, the focus is increasingly on quality and safety, especially with the impending decision by the European community and some US States on whether to ban per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This is a topic that transcends the realm of pots and pans, affecting sectors such as electronics, healthcare, automotive, alternative energy, military, aerospace, oil and gas, and defense. In this article, we will delve into the importance of these considerations and explore how F.B.M. positions itself as a market leader with a clear commitment to safety and health in the home and cookware industry.
The PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) debate is a hot topic in today's global marketplace, with the European Union considering a potential ban on these substances in various consumer categories, including cookware. This discussion is not limited to Europe; it's also making waves in the United States where several States are considering restricting regulations and labeling requirements to be enforced.
The technical nuances surrounding PFAS are intricate. These "forever chemicals" consist of a broad family of substances, raising concerns about potential health risks. The legislation surrounding PFAS is ever-evolving, with the possibility of changes at any moment.
It's essential to differentiate between polymerized and non-polymerized PFAS. Non-polymerized PFAS can move through the environment, accumulate in the human body, and pose toxicity concerns. In contrast, polymerized PFAS, such as fluoropolymers, are more trusted materials for sensitive applications like medical devices. This trust in their safety is a testimony to their unique chemical and physical properties, such as hydrophobicity, temperature resistance, chemical resistance, and surfactant capabilities.
Moreover, for companies looking to sell products in the United States, various state regulations impose restrictions on composition affecting cookware, including the California AB 1200, Colorado HB-1345, and Maine 38 MRSA 1614.
This impending decision adds an air of anticipation, given that a significant majority of "non-stick coatings" or anti-adherents contain PFAS. The potential ban's ripple effect would extend far beyond the cookware industry.
More and more, main cookware companies and trade associations are sharing information and creating advocacy to “foster robust policy discussions and enhance public understanding of the safety of cookware based on scientific research and verifiable data, to ensure that discussions and decisions concerning cookware are grounded in scientific fact- and data-driven analysis.
To this extent, industry’s giants Groupe SEB and Meyer Cookware have recently established the Cookware Sustainability Alliance to foster what it said is science-based cookware safety education and policy, with an immediate emphasis on addressing legislation regulating the sale of nonstick cookware made with per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Safety and hygiene in the kitchen transcend the PFAS discussion alone. Safety-conscious consumers seek products that promote both personal and environmental safety.
This involves conveying safety information on packaging and marketing materials, including details about raw materials and whether products are produced with or without specific ingredients.
Amidst this global discourse, we emphasize our dedication to ethical and sustainable development. To foster transparency, we inform that F.B.M.’s products are intentionally made without per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Based on our current raw material formulations, our products do not contain or intentionally include PFAS, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). F.B.M. is committed to upholding all required regulatory standards to protect our customers, ensuring that our pot handles, side handles, and knobs comply with European cookware standards EN 12983-1 and EN 12983-2, the engineering standards of the US Cookware and Bakeware Association, and Brazil's INMETRO regulation.
Furthermore, F.B.M. actively participates in leading international cookware associations such as CBA in the United States and FEC in Europe, collaborating extensively on PFAS-related issues and other regulations. In line with our unwavering commitment to quality and safety, F.B.M. conducts ongoing research and analysis of our products. This diligence ensures that FBM'S Cookware Handles remain free of PFAS.
At F.B.M., all handles are also compliant with the Reach Regulation (European Regulation CE No. 1907/2006) and are free from Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). We proudly state that our products do not contain SVHC "of very high concern" as per Regulation 1907/2006 REACH Article 57. This commitment applies to substances listed in the "Candidate List of SVHC" as published by the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) and is actively monitored by F.B.M.
Our dedication to quality and safety is rooted in F.B.M.'s core values, encapsulated in the F.B.M. Quality System program. This program assures our customers and partners worldwide that an F.B.M. product guarantees safety, not only in terms of mechanical and product durability but also in validated and monitored content.
In line with these values, our new compounds, such as Ecosystem Black, Look at Me, and Active Shield, adhere to sustainability and clean technology principles.
The world of cookware is at a crossroads, with quality and safety considerations taking center stage. F.B.M. stands as a beacon of assurance in this shifting landscape, offering products that prioritize safety and quality.
When you choose F.B.M., you're choosing a partner that places your safety and satisfaction at the core of its mission. But our commitment goes beyond compliance; it extends to being at the forefront of innovation and sustainable practices, ensuring you enjoy the very best in cookware.
Our materials are a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing you with products that are not just safe but also environmentally responsible.
We invite you to explore further by downloading our new trend book and reaching out to us for all your cookware needs.
Count on F.B.M. as your leader in the market, dedicated to providing safe and compliant cookware products.