Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) commonly known as “forever chemicals” are found almost everywhere. They’re in our water sources, our clothing, our soil, and even in the human body. Their widespread presence is largely due to decades of industrial and commercial use.

As awareness around PFAS increases, so does the focus on reducing their presence in supply chains. In the packaging industry, this means identifying and transitioning away from materials that contain or rely on PFAS. This article explores what PFAS are, why they persist, and the innovations driving the shift toward PFAS-free packaging.

Understanding PFAS and the Need for Change

PFAS are a class of man-made chemicals developed in the 1940s, known for their water and oil resistance. There are over 14,000 chemicals classed as PFAS which have been widely used in industrial and consumer applications such as non-stick frypans, waterproof clothing, and food packaging.

While PFAS had properties that were beneficial in various applications, including some packaging, we are increasingly becoming aware of global PFAS contamination and the challenges associated with their environmental burden. 
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What makes PFAS problematic?

These "forever chemicals" don't easily break down in the environment. Their durability, while useful in many products, also means they can build up over time leading to concerns about long-term contamination and adverse health impacts.
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Why are PFAS so persistent?

At the core of every PFAS molecule is a fluorinated carbon chain, a series of carbon atoms bonded to fluorine. This bond is one of the strongest in organic chemistry, which is what makes PFAS so resistant to breaking down.

Because of this structure, PFAS are:

• Water-repellent (hydrophobic)
• Oil-repellent (oleophobic)
• Highly resistant to heat and chemical degradation
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PFAS: A Wide and Complex Ground of Chemicals

PFAS aren’t just one chemical—it’s a large group of over 14,000 different substances, each with slightly different properties. Some well-known types include:

• PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid)
• PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid)
• GenX chemicals (used as replacements for older PFAS)

These different forms behave differently in the environment and in the body, but all share the same durable and persistent qualities.
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Origins and Historical Use of Forever Chemicals

PFAS were first created in the 1930s and 1940s driven by the need for materials that could withstand extreme conditions like high heat, water and oil exposure. Their durability made them incredibly useful, and by the mid-20th century, they were being used across a wide range of industries.

Because of the wide use, and the chemical properties, PFAS have spread throughout the globe. They are found in arctic ice, and in the blood streams of animals worldwide.
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Where have PFAS Been Used?

• Non-stick cookware: Teflon, a well-known brand of PTFE (a type of PFAS), revolutionized cooking.
• Firefighting foams (AFFF): Aqueous film-forming foams were widely used for extinguishing flammable liquid fires, particularly at airports and military bases.
• Textiles and carpets: Stain-resistant and water-repellent treatments relied on PFAS.
• Food packaging: Grease-resistant coatings in fast-food wrappers and takeout containers utilised PFAS.
• Industrial processes: Many industrial applications used PFAS to create products that needed to withstand harsh environments.
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The Persistence Problem: Why PFAS are Labelled "Forever Chemicals”

Their strong carbon-fluorine bonds make them highly resistant to breakdown, persisting in soil, water, and living organisms for decades—or even centuries.

Environmental Pathways:

• PFAS can enter the environment through various pathways, including industrial discharges, wastewater treatment, and the use of AFFF.
• They can travel long distances through air and water, contaminating remote ecosystems.
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PFAS Regulations in 2025: What Brands Need to Know

While some PFAS like PFOA and PFOS are already widely phased out, worldwide there are varying degrees of regulations to the full class of these chemicals. 

- New Zealand has announced plans to ban PFAS entirely.  

- The European Union is actively phasing them out.  

- Several U.S. states have enacted their own restrictions.  

- Australia is introducing new controls from 1 July next year, which will ban or severely restrict PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS.
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‍The Rise of Innovative PFAS-Free Packaging

The packaging industry is responding with remarkable ingenuity, creating solutions that are both effective and environmentally friendly. At Grounded Packaging, we're proud to be leading from the front.

What Makes Grounded’s PFAS-Free Packaging Different?

We’re pushing boundaries in sustainable packaging with:‍

• Advanced Barrier Technologies: 
  Bio-based coatings that deliver grease and moisture resistance—without the need for harmful fluorochemicals.

• Compostable and Biodegradable Materials: 
  Designed to return to the earth, enriching soil and reducing landfill waste.

• Renewable Resources and Circularity: 
  Sourced from managed forests and other renewables, with closed-loop design in mind.

• Transparent and Rigorous Testing: 
  We believe in complete transparency. Our products undergo thorough testing to ensure they are truly PFAS-free and meet the highest sustainability standards. 

• Nature Inspired Solutions: 
  We look to nature for inspiration, and find amazing solutions that have been proven over millions of years.
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The Benefits of Choosing PFAS-Free Packaging

By choosing innovative PFAS-free packaging, you're contributing to:

• A Healthier Environment: Reducing the presence of persistent chemicals in our ecosystems.
• Enhanced Brand Reputation: Demonstrating your commitment to sustainability and responsible practices.
• Meeting Evolving Consumer Demands: Consumers are increasingly seeking eco-friendly options.
• A Positive Future: Supporting the development of sustainable technologies that benefit everyone.
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Leading the Shift to PFAS-Free Packaging for a Sustainable Future

The transition to PFAS-free packaging is not just a trend; it's a movement towards a more sustainable and responsible future. At Grounded, we’re proud to lead the charge toward a future without forever chemicals. Join us in making safer, smarter packaging choices that support people, planet, and progress.