In the race toward sustainable and safer packaging, "PFAS-free" labels are now common. Yet, not all "PFAS-free" claims mean the same thing. While many companies advertise their materials as "PFAS-free," they often use other fluorinated chemicals that pose similar environmental and health risks. This is why distinguishing between "PFAS-free" and "PFAS-free and fluorine-free" is crucial for brands genuinely dedicated to safety and sustainability.
The race towards sustainability and safer packaging is well underway, and companies are quick to declare their materials 'PFAS-free.' However, as more products adopt this label, a critical distinction arises that many miss: the presence of fluorine, an element that can carry environmental and health concerns. This blog breaks down why 'PFAS-free' isn’t always enough and why 'PFAS-free and fluorine-free' offers an added layer of safety.
What are PFAS?
You may have heard the term "PFAS" in the news, often in connection with topics like new regulations, environmental movements, or alarming headlines about "forever chemicals." But what exactly are PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals prized for their water-repellent and grease-resistant properties. These chemicals are found in a wide range of everyday products, from non-stick cookware and beauty products to rain jackets, cleaning supplies, and food containers.
PFAS are often called "forever chemicals" because they can persist in the environment for hundreds of years without breaking down. This leads to their buildup in water, soil, and food sources, as well as in the bodies of humans and animals. Over time, this accumulation has been linked to health risks, including cancer, liver damage, and developmental issues
The "PFAS-Free" Label: What It Really Means
Many products today advertise themselves as “PFAS-free” or “Made Without PFAS.” While these labels are technically accurate—indicating the product contains no chemicals officially classified as PFAS—they can be misleading. They don’t guarantee the absence of other fluorinated chemicals that have similar environmental and health risks.
One such chemical is fluorine. Often used as an alternative to PFAS, fluorine and other fluorinated compounds are valued for their durability and resistance, similar to PFAS. However, these substances share the same concerning qualities: they are highly persistent in the environment and pose similar toxicity risks, accumulating in ecosystems and potentially impacting human health.
Going a Step Further: "PFAS-Free and Fluorine-Free"
To truly address the risks of fluorine-based chemicals, forward-thinking companies are moving beyond the standard "PFAS-free" label to materials that are both "PFAS-free and fluorine-free." By removing all fluorine compounds, these materials offer added assurance of safety, reducing potential health and environmental risks, regulatory complications, and pollution.
Why This Matters for Businesses and Consumers
- Consumer Trust and Transparency: Today’s eco-conscious consumers are scrutinizing "green" labels more closely than ever, ready to challenge companies on their sustainability claims. For brands aiming to lead in this space, ensuring materials are free from all harmful fluorinated chemicals builds trust and sets them apart in the marketplace.
- Future-Proofing Against Regulations: Regulations around PFAS and other fluorine-based chemicals are tightening globally. Many companies have set PFAS-free targets for 2025 and beyond, and eliminating all fluorinated substances now helps brands stay ahead of regulatory changes, reducing legal risks and ensuring compliance.
- Health and Environmental Impact: Fluorine-based chemicals, even those outside the PFAS classification, can leach into ecosystems, affecting wildlife and human health. By opting for fluorine-free materials, brands offer safer products that support environmental health and long-term sustainability.
Impermea Materials’ Commitment to Being Truly Fluorine-Free
At Impermea Materials, we are proud to provide barrier solutions that go beyond PFAS-free by eliminating all fluorinated chemicals. This commitment allows us to meet the highest safety and sustainability standards, empowering brands to lead in sustainable innovation without compromise. Our high-performance, fluorine-free barriers offer clients a solution that aligns with their values and the growing demand from eco-conscious consumers.
As the packaging industry shifts toward safer, more sustainable options, the distinction between "PFAS-free" and "PFAS-free and fluorine-free" becomes critical. Brands committed to transparency and sustainability can seize this opportunity to lead the market by choosing truly safe materials. At Impermea, we are dedicated to helping you make this meaningful distinction, supporting your brand’s integrity and commitment to a healthier planet.
Impermea Materials, is an advanced materials company based in Massachusetts that synthesizes and manufactures the highest-performing barrier solutions, which are PFAS-free and plastic-free. Our paper & paperboard packaging product line allows customers to unlock repulpable, recyclable, compostable, and PFAS-free product innovation. We offer customizable oil & grease resistant (OGR), moisture/water vapor transmission barrier (MVTR), fan-apart adhesives, and release coatings enabling customers to win new business and gain additional market share. Our products replace existing coatings that do not allow materials like paper to replace plastic due to a lack of performance. Traditional solutions in the market are facing regulatory action due to PFAS, Plastic, or other less sustainable materials. Our solutions provide an offering that genuinely outperforms legacy technologies without sacrificing the sustainability you need.
