The man-made “forever chemicals” called PFAS (per – and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of synthetic chemicals used in a wide variety of common applications, from fast food packaging and non-stick cookware to firefighting foams and stain repellant chemicals for clothing and carpets.
PFAS do not exist in nature and do not naturally degrade, which means they can end up contaminating groundwater for a very long time after their release into the environment.
Research is ongoing to assess the risk to humans from a build-up of PFAS in the human body.
Celebration Packaging claims there are concerns that in very badly polluted areas a large amount of PFAS could accumulate in the blood and could cause cancers and infertility.
Denmark banned PFAS nearly two years ago and in the USA 12 states have also announced bans.
In addition, and following a six-month consultation period, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is developing a plan to reduce PFAS emissions into the environment and make products and processes safer for people.
Nick Burton, managing director, Celebration Packaging, said: “Our survey has found that the vast majority of consumers (80%) are not familiar with ‘forever chemicals’ and the term ‘PFAS’. However, when informed about PFAS, some 96% of respondents stated that they were concerned about the potential dangers the ‘forever chemicals’ pose.”
He said the company has always invested in accreditations and certifications to back up sustainability claims.
“We became aware of the PFAS issue some time ago and began to look for viable non-PFAS packaging in early 2022. Since then, we have been working hard to ensure that we can deliver PFA-free packaging solutions for the takeaway, delivery and QSR sectors – and we are delighted to confirm that all our white bagasse clamshells, dinnerware and chip trays are now TÜV home compostable and that they are certified PFAS-free.”
He said that to ensure that the bagasse fibre clamshells, chip trays and dinnerware are free from these forever chemicals, he arranged for testing, inspection and certification company SGS to test them.
The SGS test report shows that no PFAS and similar chemicals such as PFCA’s / PFOS’s / PFOA’s / PFHxS’s were detected.
“Furthermore, the survey also found that 96% of consumers indicated that it was important that their packaging was certified PFA-free. As only 31% were not prepared to pay extra for such packaging, there is every reason for food service outlets to use certified packaging from reputable suppliers.”
“We believe that these PFAS-free white bagasse products to be the best alternative to foodservice packaging made from expanded polystyrene,” says Nick Burton. “They are the perfect replacement for expanded polystyrene plates, trays and clamshells now that the SUP (single-use plastic) legislation has come into effect.”
Celebration Packaging claims the new PFAS-free white bagasse fibre packaging looks like the old range and can be used in a microwave to reheat food.
“As publicity around the PFAS issue builds, so will concerns from consumers, so foodservice operators should check if the packaging they are using is PFAS-free,” added Burton.