Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH)
The Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse was formed in 1992 to promote the Model Toxics in Packaging Legislation. This model legislation was drafted by the Source Reduction Council of the Coalition of Northeastern Governors in 1989. It was developed in an effort to reduce the amount of heavy metals in packaging and packaging components that are sold or distributed throughout the United States. In 2004, TPCH moved to NERC for staffing and administrative support. Patricia Dillon, Program Director, staffs the Clearinghouse. As of February 2008, membership in TPCH has expanded to include 11 states: California, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington. The TPCH is also supported by Industry Members: the American Chemistry Council, Society of Glass and Ceramic Decorators, and the Steel Recycling Institute.
In 2007, TPCH announced the results of a groundbreaking study that tested packaging for compliance with state toxics in packaging laws: An Assessment of Heavy Metals in Packaging. Project funding: EPA.
