Virginia bans the use of Expanded Polystyrene by food vendors and government foodservice programs
As of July 1, Virginia has officially banned the use of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) by food vendors and government foodservice programs.
According to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality:
• EPS takes at least 500 years to break down, and less than 1% of EPS is recycled.
• EPS frequently ends up as litter in rivers and the ocean. Many animals mistake EPS for food, causing potentially fatal consequences.
• EPS is primarily made from styrene, a possible carcinogen. Chronic exposure to high amounts of styrene for extended periods can cause injury to the nervous systems.
EcoSecurity Utensils never contain styrene, and comply with EPS bans and other single-use plastic cutlery directives while remaining the safest, sturdy eating utensil for health care and correctional facilities where misuse of utensils is a concern.
Contact us if you are interested in learning more about a molded fiber tray and lid which we are developing specifically for corrections, detention, and behavioral health facilities.