Legislative Control of Free TDI in Solvent-free Glue in Food Composite Bags: Protecting Health and the Environment

In the field of composite bag production, solvent-free glue plays an important role. Among them, polyurethane, as a commonly used solvent-free glue component, has a problem that cannot be ignored, that is, the free toluene diisocyanate (TDI) contained in it will form primary aromatic amines when exposed to water.

Free TDI in polyurethanes has special chemical activity. When the composite bag may come into contact with water during use, the free TDI isocyanate group reacts with the water to form primary aromatic amines. Primary aromatic amines are not ordinary compounds, and many of them have been identified as quite harmful. Some primary aromatic amines have been classified as possible human carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and they pose a potentially serious threat to human health, such as causing genetic mutations, causing diseases such as cancer, and also causing adverse effects on the environment.

In order to protect public health and environmental safety, the state has shown a positive regulatory stance. The relevant legislation will be implemented from September 2024. This legislative initiative has far-reaching implications.

From the perspective of manufacturers, this legislation will prompt composite bag manufacturers to re-examine their selection of raw materials and production processes. Enterprises must more strictly control the quality of polyurethane in solvent-free glues and reduce the content of free TDI. This may push companies to invest more in R&D, seek new glue formulations or improve existing production processes to ensure compliance with national regulations. At the same time, it also helps to improve the production standards of the entire industry and eliminate those backward production processes and products that cannot meet the requirements.

For consumers, this legislation is a solid protective barrier. Whether it is a consumer who comes into direct contact with composite bags, or people who are indirectly exposed to composite bags through products such as food, the health risks associated with primary aromatic amines can be reduced. This means that people can use all kinds of products packaged in composite bags with more confidence in their daily lives.

In terms of supervision, the relevant departments can strengthen the supervision and inspection of the production and market circulation of composite bags in accordance with this legislation. Through strict sampling and law enforcement, ensure that enterprises comply with regulations, so as to ensure the safety of composite bag products in the market.

The national legislation on the formation of primary aromatic amines by free TDI in polyurethane in composite bags of solvent-free glue when exposed to water is an important measure in the context of increasing health and environmental awareness. It will promote the development of the composite bag industry in a safer and more environmentally friendly direction, benefit the general public and protect our ecological environment.