PFAS free – an Essential Step towards Safer Sustainability

But what is PFAS? And why is being PFAS free important?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is a group of over 4,700 man-made chemicals  that are used in a large number of products across many industries.

PFAS has non-stick, oil-and-water-resistant properties, attributes which have seen it used in a huge array of products. The chemicals are used in food processing, carpets, dental floss, non-stick pans, nail polish, shoes and food packaging, to name just a few of its applications. 

When we zoom in on packaging, PFAS can be added to many products to provide oil and water resistance, including bagasse, various plastic products (HDPE is particularly well documented), paper products and microwave popcorn bags.

This widespread proliferation of PFAS is now a cause for concern and numerous studies indicate their adverse effects. Sometimes called ‘forever chemicals’, PFAS persist and accumulate in environments, negatively impacting ecosystems, wildlife and human health.

Removing PFAS from supply chains is now an important sustainability step

PFAS is widely used in the foodservice industry, and it can be added to paper and plant fibre packaging. We have made a concerted effort to ensure our sugarcane fibre and relevant paper products do not contain any added PFAS. No other product ranges contain added PFAS.

However, central to the challenge of ensuring products are PFAS free is the ubiquitousness and persistence of these chemicals. PFAS is now widely detected in drinking water, soil, air, food, and in humans and animals.

This means that PFAS can enter supply chains unintentionally, via a factory’s water supply, for example. 

Therefore, regulators have realised that when testing for the presence of PFAS in products, allowance needs to be made for trace amounts of the chemicals.

How we talk about PFAS free products at GREEN HOME

Because PFAS can be potentially present in trace amounts due to environmental contamination, ‘no added PFAS’ is the most accurate way to describe our products. And we use this language a lot of the time. However, we also use the phrase ‘PFAS free’.

Even though ‘PFAS free’ is a bit less technically accurate, we think its snappy directness powerfully communicates the broad aim driving the movement – to move away from these harmful chemicals.

Compostability certification standards upgrade to protect consumers

Globally recognised certifying bodies for compostables, such as BPI, OK Compost and DIN CERTCO, now require test results from approved labs to meet the requirement of no intentionally added PFAS for products to be certified as compostable. This is in addition to meeting the EN 13432 standard – the widely recognised and respected European standard for industrial compostability.

These upgrades to compostability certification standards and testing are helping us ensure that our products have no added PFAS; protecting both our clients and the environment.

The steps we’re taking to eliminate all added PFAS from our packaging are something we’re proud of. This is more than a product update – it’s a commitment to the health of people and the planet.

By staying ahead of regulations and putting safety first, we’re demonstrating that sustainability and responsibility go hand in hand. It’s a very important step toward a safer, greener future.