The chemicals that keep food packaging from getting greasy and clothes from getting stained is potentially harmful to humans and animals so Denmark is moving to ban them completely. This move may not be successful but it is a powerful statement for the environment and health.
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) are two fairly common chemicals found in a number of food packages and clothing. Things like fast food wrappers and popcorn bags are coated with the stuff to keep the grease from soaking through. It makes clothing water and stain proof. They also do not break down in the environment meaning they can collect and linger. They have been linked to tumors in lab rats so not great to have hanging around.
The proposed ban would keep products treated with these chemicals out of the country. The problem is that Denmark is part of the EU and therefore can’t ban such things on their own. Still, considering the harm that these can cause, it may be time to take a second look at them.