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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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
These different forms behave differently in the environment and in the body, but all share the same durable and persistent qualities.
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.
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:
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.
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.
We’re pushing boundaries in sustainable packaging with:
By choosing innovative PFAS-free packaging, you're contributing to:
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.