Europe pushes toward PFAS-free packaging and textiles
The ZeroF project reached a key milestone with its final stakeholder event, PFAS FREE FUTURE – Safe & Sustainable Alternatives for Packaging & Textile, held last November in Barcelona. After three years of EU- and Swiss-funded research, the project showcased PFAS-free coatings for food packaging and upholstery textiles. These solutions demonstrated promising results in performance, safety, sustainability, and alignment with EU regulations set to tighten by 2030.
Why PFAS-free matters
PFAS chemicals make products water-, grease-, and stain-repellent. However, their persistence and health risks have prompted the EU to phase out non-essential PFAS uses by 2030 under the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and the Zero Pollution Action Plan.
ZeroF partners explored technical feasibility, regulatory alignment, and consumer acceptance, asking: Are viable PFAS-free alternatives available? How will EU rules change? And what does this mean for research, industry, and consumers?
Europe’s evolving regulatory landscape
TEMAS Solutions highlighted that the EU Green Deal is reshaping chemicals, packaging, and textile policies. Stricter rules on Food Contact Materials, packaging waste, and eco-design now coexist with rising expectations for recyclability, microfibre release, and non-intentionally added substances (NIAS).
Packaging or textiles that hinder recycling or contain PFAS risk non-compliance even before bans take effect. Clear criteria for recyclability and PFAS-free claims are essential to support early adopters.
PFAS-free upholstery textiles
ZeroF’s upholstery textiles use advanced ORMOCER® hybrid coatings developed by Fraunhofer ISC. These coatings combine inorganic and organic materials to create a durable, water- and oil-repellent, easy-clean surface.
Tests showed excellent water repellency and good oil repellency for most indoor applications. Semi-industrial trials proved they can be applied with standard textile machinery. Next steps focus on improving durability, wear resistance, and wash stability. Experts noted that current standards often do not reflect PFAS-free materials, highlighting the need for updated benchmarks.
PFAS-free food packaging
For food packaging, VTT, Kemira, and Yangi developed CeFAE coatings based on modified polysaccharides reacted with long-chain fatty acids. These bio-based coatings provide strong water and grease barriers for boards and 3D fibre products.
Pilot-scale production showed industrial feasibility, and coated trays performed well under use conditions. Further work is needed on recyclability, food migration, and end-of-life behaviour to fully meet EU requirements for Food Contact Materials.
Safe and sustainable by design
ZeroF applied the EU’s Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework throughout material development. Partners combined hazard screening, computational modelling, life-cycle assessment, and cost analysis. This approach led to the substitution of around 20 hazardous substances, improving safety and reducing environmental impact.
PFAS-free packaging prototypes generally outperformed PFAS-coated references. Textile prototypes reduced PFAS emissions, though some trade-offs in other sustainability areas remain. SSbD methods guide design but cannot replace testing or fill polymer-specific data gaps, highlighting the need for both rigorous assessment and regulatory alignment.
Consumer perspectives
VTT and Leitat surveyed 1,500 citizens in Finland, France, Spain, and Luxembourg. About 62% had never heard of PFAS, but most preferred PFAS-free products once informed, especially for food packaging and textiles. Acceptance depended on performance, convenience, cost, and proof of safety.
Collaboration is key
ZeroF’s final event emphasized that achieving a PFAS-free future requires cross-sector collaboration. The project leaves a dual legacy: tested PFAS-free materials and a demonstration of how SSbD bridges innovation and regulation.
The next phase relies on regulators, standardisers, brands, and manufacturers to make PFAS-free solutions the standard across Europe’s green transition.
