Does your food production business have a future-proof PFAS strategy? In this article, we will address everything you need to know about 'Forever Chemicals' and the possibility of new restrictions in the UK.

Due to concerns surrounding microplastics and a growing demand for recyclable packaging, an increasing number of food production sites are now presenting their products in paper and cardboard housing – believing this to be the best way to future-proof their businesses.

Although paper and cardboard packaging is often thought of as the more sustainable and consumer-friendly choice, it is essential that food production sites are also considering the potential risks surrounding PFAS.

Commonly referred to as ‘Forever Chemicals’, PFAS are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances that accumulate in the environment, rather than degrading over time. They are found in some, but not all types of paper and cardboard packaging.

In the following article, we will be exploring the potential risks surrounding PFAS. We will also be discussing the possibility of future restrictions and the best way for your food production site to stay at the forefront of this conversation.

What are the possible risks surrounding PFAS in the food production industry?

The impact of PFAS is still being evaluated. However, there is growing concern that the chemicals within this category can be linked to a long list of environmental and human health issues. As a result, the legislation surrounding PFAS has become increasingly strict.

How does this relate to the food production industry?

As mentioned above, one of the most common areas of concern surrounding PFAS relates to food packaging. However, there is also research to suggest ‘Forever Chemicals’ could have made their way into the food itself, with packaging recycled as a compostable material, used to support plant growth, then reintroduced to consumers through certain food and beverages.

The extent to which this is happening is yet to be determined. Even so, the possibility of products containing PFAS highlights the importance of food production sites assessing every stage of their supply chain.

It is also worth noting that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances have been detected in industrial machinery such as pipes and valves, along with the lubricants used to maintain them. Again, the extent to which this is happening is undetermined, but the importance of assessment cannot be overstated.

What are the current restrictions surrounding PFAS?

Currently, the restrictions surrounding PFAS vary from country to country. However, the EU is set to consider a PFAS restriction proposal put forward by the national authorities of Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

This comes after the 2020 ban in Denmark, which saw the Danish Ministry of Environment and Food prohibiting the use of “paper and board food contact materials in which per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used, unless a functional barrier which prevents the substances from migrating to food is included in the product.” *

Although the UK sits outside the EU and wouldn’t be directly impacted by any decisions to restrict PFAS, a change to EU legislation could put the UK government under pressure to follow suit, especially as consumer awareness increases.

As it stands, the UK doesn’t have any specific PFAS restrictions, aside from a ban on PFOA and its salts (exemptions apply). There is also no requirement to label packaging or products containing PFAS.

However, over 180 countries have ratified the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, with this agreement featuring restrictions on some types of PFAS. Paired with EU decision-making, it is possible that the rising trend of tougher restrictions surrounding PFAS could eventually reach the UK – impacting the food production industry and the businesses operating within it.

What is the best way to develop a future-proof PFAS strategy?

By engaging with the topic of PFAS, you are already putting your site in a strong position to deal with any future challenges. Instead of waiting for restrictions to come into force, you have the opportunity to pre-empt any legislative changes.

The first step is to assess all stages of your supply chain – identifying any areas where PFAS could be coming into contact with your products or ingredients, without a functional barrier in place.

Next, you will need to evaluate your site and find out if your equipment or machinery could be a source of PFAS contamination.

Finally, you should consider the packaging used to house your product. If your packaging doesn’t need to be water and greaseproof, it should be easy to find a replacement. But, even if you require these properties, there are alternatives to PFAS already available.

As there aren’t any PFAS-specific restrictions in the UK or confirmed plans to introduce them, you and your site won’t have to work to a specific deadline.

With this in mind, you have the option of developing your PFAS strategy immediately or waiting to address each area of your operation when the right opportunities arise. For example, if senior leadership ask to discuss new packaging options or a new piece of machinery is going to be installed onsite.

However, when it comes to making consumer-friendly choices around an area that is facing increasingly tough restrictions on a global scale, the sooner you can act, the easier it will be for your business to secure success.

At Klipspringer, we closely monitor legislative updates so that we are prepared with the right products and services to help you secure compliance.

If you have any questions about the guidance provided in this article, we would be happy to share further information relating to the conversation surrounding PFAS, along with our wide selection of products and services.

You can contact us directly on 01473461800 or sales@klipspringer.com. Alternatively, you can fill out the contact form below and one of our friendly team members will be in touch.

If you would like further guidance relating to PFAS or any other food safety issues, the Klipspringer team would be happy to help. Share your details below to arrange a consultation.