Question from Stacey
Hi Debra,
I purchased an outdoor table made of a “PE faux wood resin.” I have tried researching what exactly could be in this material, and I have come across some sites where the resin could be composed of PE/PP/PVC. Of course the PVC concerns me…I contacted the company a couple times, and one rep responded that the table was simply made of polyethylene, while another rep thought it might contain PVC, but was looking into it and hasn’t gotten back to me yet. Do you think I can trust that this table is only PE, or would you not trust it…Do they have to disclose that the table contains PVC, even if it is a smaller amount than the PE? Just wondering what you would do! I love the table and think it’s great for seaside, but would rather my family be safe!
Thanks so much!
Debra’s Answer
There are many labeling laws, but the overarching one is the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) “Truth in Advertising” law.
This says that “ads must be truthful, not misleading, and, when appropriate, backed by scientific evidence.”
This applies to labels too.
So per this law, if the label says PE it should contain PE and if it says PVC it should contain PVC.
I would assume that it is 100% PE and the first rep was right. But now that there has been a question about it from the other rep, I would follow through and get a confirmation.
