As regulators around the world evaluate restrictions on PFAS, manufacturers need to be evaluating potential alternatives. With the clock ticking, the time has come to prepare for a world without PFAS.
Change is coming. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been in widespread commercial and industrial use since the 1950s. Now, health concerns are making restrictions inevitable.
But there is no one-size-fits-all alternative. Choosing the right option to go PFAS-free takes a partner with expert knowledge and experience.
The state of regulation on PFAS
Currently, two PFAS are restricted by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) with 152 signatories worldwide, as well as EU POPs regulation:
- PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) and its derivatives (since 2009/2010)
- PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and its salts and related compounds (since 2020)
Additional local regulation varies from region to region, with the U.S. leading the way.
In the United States, 12 states representing a third of the overall the U.S. economy have already taken action to remove PFAS from food packaging. Regulations are now in effect in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. Oregon comes into force in 2025 and Maine in 2030. More are likely to follow.
In the European Union, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has added a number of PFAS to their list of substances of very high concern (SVHC). Proposed restrictions are currently under consideration with a decision expected in March 2024.
In Asia, regulation varies per country. For example, China restricts the use of PFOA and PFOS for food packaging, but not as widely as in the US or EU. India lacks any strict regulations and fluoro-based PPAs are used by most packaging manufacturers. Japan has banned the manufacturing and use of PFOS/PFOA and is currently moving toward banning PFHxS.
What’s clear is that PFAS are on the radar of government regulatory bodies worldwide. And, as consumers become more educated about the potential dangers of PFAS, more and more will be looking for PFAS-free products on their own.
Who needs to prepare for the PFAS transition?
At the moment, PFAS in food packaging are under the greatest scrutiny. They are widely used as a processing aid to make plastic film.
Manufacturers in other industries are also exploring alternatives already, in anticipation of more widespread regulation to come. This includes producers of PEX plumbing pipes and wire and cable insulation.
Compounders of polymers have an important role to play in the coming changes by reimagining formulations with new materials. They are investing heavily in R&D to be the first to market with a proven solution.
What’s in development to replace PFAS?
In the film processing industry, many companies worldwide have already taken the initiative to entirely remove PFAS from their raw material portfolio. Others have partly removed PFAS processing aids. More are sure to join with proactive initiatives of their own.
Processing without PFAS doesn’t seem to be a problem. Higher doses (up to 2x) of new additives may be needed, and some properties or capabilities (e.g. slippage and printing) can be affected.
For the time being, developers of alternatives are keeping their exact formulas secret. Some have already brought silicone-based solutions to market. Others are working on materials that are both PFAS and silicone free.
All in all, there is no single replacement for PFAS across the board. We need to work together to identify the right solution with the right properties for your application.
Reimagining solutions together
Now is the time to rethink formulations. The good news is: You are not alone. Our industry experts are here to explore solutions together so you can deliver the high-performing, PFAS-free products of tomorrow.