EcoWaste Coalition raises alarm over lead in Labubu tumblers

The EcoWaste Coalition has identified concerning levels of lead in Labubu-inspired tumblers, sparking health concerns.

Tests revealed that these tumblers, characterised by their colorful paints, contain lead exceeding the legal limit of 90 parts per million (ppm), with some showing levels above 1,000 ppm. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysers confirmed these findings, particularly in the pink, red, and yellow designs, said The EcoWaste Coalition in a statement seen by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE. 

"While reusable tumblers are an eco-friendly alternative to single-use bottles and cups, these options must be free from hazardous substances such as lead, as the paint can chip over time and pose ingestion risks," stated The EcoWaste Coalition. 

Don't miss: Pop Mart plans to take legal action against unauthorised use of Labubu 

This concern aligns with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order No. 2013-24, which phased out lead in decorative and industrial paints by 2016 and 2019, respectively, added The EcoWaste Coalition. 

To address this issue, the EcoWaste Coalition has urged the national government to appoint a regulatory body to enforce the lead paint ban on consumer products such as water tumblers.

For importers, it encouraged only bringing in products with authentic certificates of conformity to the 90 ppm total lead limit for paints, and for retailers, including online sellers, to demand for such certificates from suppliers before putting any painted water tumblers on sale. 

Furthermore, it added that consumers should insist on their right to product labeling information, as well as their right to quality and non-hazardous products. 

The craze for Labubu extends outside of Philippines and to other SEA markets, including Singapore where toy retailerPop Mart is "actively pursuing legal action" against unauthorise use of its Labubu intellectual property (IP). 

In a statement posted on Facebook, the toy retailer said it recently discovered instances of unauthorised use of its IP by brands, including Recoil and PlayMade.

"The operators of these brands are promoting their products using Pop Mart's IP images both online and offline, and/or offering Labubu figurines as promotional items without our authorisation," said Pop Mart in its statement. The toy retailer added that it cannot guarantee the authenticity or quality of any Labubu or Pop Mart products distributed through these sources. 

It explained that it does not have any official licensed partners in Singapore and therefore, any use of its brand imagery or IP likeness for promotions or appearances is unauthorised.

"We are actively pursuing legal action to protect our brand, artists' works and our fans from these infringements," said Pop Mart. 

Pop Mart then encouraged fans to report any unauthorised use to its official customer service channels.  It added that fan support plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the brand. "We are fully committed to taking all necessary measures to defend our brand and community," said Pop Mart. 

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