PFAS: A Technical Approach to Safe and Sustainable Food Packaging
SignorBIO has always been committed to sustainable innovation, leading the food packaging sector towards a future without PFAS. Combining advanced technical solutions with strict regulatory compliance, this transition is not just a response to new European rules but a determined step towards protecting the environment and public health.
The Importance of Transitioning Away from PFAS
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a class of chemicals widely used for their exceptional oil and water-repellent properties. In particular, PFAS have been employed in molded fiber plates to create a barrier against oils and liquids, providing durability and practicality. However, their extreme persistence in the environment and potential health risks have led to strict regulations.
The food packaging industry now faces the challenge of finding safe and sustainable alternatives. At SignorBIO, we have chosen not just to comply with regulations but to lead the way with cutting-edge technologies.
New European Regulations: Regulation (EU) 2024/0318
In April 2024, the European Union approved Regulation (EU) 2024/0318 on packaging and packaging waste. This regulation marks a decisive turning point, requiring all food-contact materials to be PFAS-free. The regulation introduces strict standards:
• Total Ban on PFAS: No class of fluorinated substances will be allowed, regardless of concentration.
• Transition Period: Companies will have 18 months from the effective date to comply, ensuring a gradual and sustainable transition.
The regulation draws inspiration from the most advanced practices worldwide, setting criteria that ensure safety, sustainability, and transparency for consumers.
How to Verify the Absence of PFAS
Monitoring PFAS presence is critical for regulatory compliance. The most reliable method is the one adopted by Denmark, which uses total organic fluorine measurement:
• Danish Method: This approach identifies all fluorinated compounds, including those not traditionally classified as PFAS. (Legislation on food contact materials)
• Threshold Limit: The reference limit is 20 micrograms of organic fluorine per kilogram of material. If exceeded, intentional addition of fluorinated substances is assumed.
Denmark pioneered this regulation, introducing a PFAS ban in food packaging materials as early as 2020. This rigorous approach now serves as a model for European standards.
SignorBIO’s Technical Commitment
Ahead of the regulations, SignorBIO has embarked on a technical innovation journey to eliminate PFAS from its products:
• Collaboration with Experts: In partnership with Guangzhou University, we developed a completely PFAS-free chemical agent.
• Compostable Certifications: Our products have been certified OK compost industrial and OK compost home by TÜV Austria, attesting to the highest compostability standards.
• Gradual Transition: We have already implemented PFAS-free solutions for several items and aim to complete the process by mid-2025.
This transition requires significant logistical and operational investments, but SignorBIO has chosen not to pass these costs onto customers, keeping prices stable.
Technical Challenges and Unethical Practices
Regulatory confusion has led some companies to use inadequate methods to claim PFAS-free status, such as:
• Limited testing on a few dozen compounds, ignoring over 7,000 fluorinated substances.
• Misusing total fluorine measurements to claim PFAS absence.
At SignorBIO, we rigorously follow the Danish method to ensure the actual absence of fluorinated substances and full regulatory compliance.
The Future of Food Packaging
SignorBIO goes beyond regulatory compliance: we aspire to be a reference point for the sector. On our website, you will find regular updates and useful resources, such as the complete European regulation, to better understand regulatory developments.
Our commitment is clear: to build a safer, more sustainable, and innovative future for consumers and the planet.
