PFAS-free coatings for safe and sustainable food packaging and textiles

The ZeroF project is creating a paradigm shift in the food packaging and textile industries, pioneering safe and environmentally friendly PFAS-free coatings.

The ZeroF project, co-funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe and the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation, combats one of the most serious threats to human health and the environment: the prevalence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). ).

PFAS, also known as ‘forever chemicals’, are widespread in a range of everyday products. Because of their resistance to breakdown, these chemicals can build up in the body and ecosystems over time, endangering their health.

The ZeroF project aims to increase environmental and health resilience in the food packaging and textile industries, two sectors whose products contain PFAS, by innovating PFAS-free coatings.

The 36-month project, which started in 2023, involves twelve research and industry partners from nine countries working together to create a sustainable future.

Tackling the dangers of PFAS

PFAS are a growing problem due to their environmental persistence and potential health risks. These manufactured chemicals are widespread and found in many everyday products such as nonstick cookware, water repellents, stain-resistant fabrics, firefighting foam and food packaging.

The danger of PFAS lies in their resistance to degradation. Unlike many other chemicals, they do not break down easily in the environment and accumulate in our bodies and the environment. This persistence is raising major concerns, as studies point to links between PFAS exposure and a range of concerning health problems.

Increased cholesterol, changes in thyroid function and certain cancers, including prostate, kidney and testicular cancer, are among the possible effects associated with PFAS exposure. Pregnant women, fetuses and children are considered particularly vulnerable because of their developing bodies and immune systems. Exposure during these critical stages can lead to developmental delays, low birth weight and problems with the immune system’s response to vaccines.

While research is ongoing to fully understand the extent of these health risks, the widespread presence of PFAS in our environment requires further research and possible regulatory action. The persistence of these chemicals in drinking water sources and consumer products raises concerns about chronic exposure and long-term health effects.

Prevalence of PFAS use in Europe

The widespread use of PFAS in Europe cannot be underestimated and is expertly illustrated by the Forever Pollution Map, created by Le Monde and its 17 partners at the Forever Pollution Project.

The map identifies 20 PFAS manufacturing facilities, 23,000 sites with confirmed PFAS contamination, 232 industrial sites using PFAS, more than 21,500 suspected contamination sites, and more than 2,300 hotspots where PFAS concentration levels exceed safety thresholds.

The EU’s commitment to phase out PFAS

The European Union is taking an important step in the fight against persistent pollutants by classifying PFAS as substances of very high concern (SVHC), and is in the process of restricting the production and use of certain PFAS through a REACH restriction.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) continues to evaluate a proposal to restrict PFAS in Europe. The Agency’s Scientific Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) will review the proposal and consultation comments in batches, focusing on different sectors involved.

At the same time, the five national authorities behind the proposal – the Netherlands, Germany, Norway, Denmark and Sweden – are updating their original report to include feedback from the consultation, which will form the basis for the committees’ opinions.

Nevertheless, despite the recognized health and environmental hazards, industry players and consumers are reluctant to switch to non-fluorinated products. This reluctance stems from the shortage of alternatives that deliver comparable performance and cost-effectiveness.

This lack of alternatives inspired the ZeroF project to come up with PFAS-free coatings. The project was initiated in response to the harmful effects associated with PFAS contamination, as it is a potent chemical and its production and use threatens the European value chains for food packaging and furniture textiles.

Objectives of the ZeroF project

ZeroF aims to combat the escalation of PFAS contamination through groundbreaking innovative coating technologies suitable for food packaging and furniture textiles.

The primary goal is to replace PFAS with safe and sustainable compounds derived from renewable sources, all while maintaining comparable performance and cost-effectiveness. A cornerstone of this initiative is the application of a Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design framework, which guides the formulation process.

A comprehensive range of analyses, including life cycle assessments, cost evaluations and environmental footprint assessments, will be crucial in reducing environmental impact by more than 25%.

Collaborative efforts between project partners will clarify incentives and challenges to streamline the adoption of PFAS-free coatings. This will culminate in the formulation of a certification and regulatory roadmap to anticipate evolving standards.

Ultimately, ZeroF aims to innovate a credible PFAS alternative, address industry and consumer concerns about PFAS-free products, and contribute to the phase-out of PFAS.

ZeroF project goals include:

• Innovative organic-inorganic hybrid PFAS-free coating formulations tailor-made for furniture textiles, where safety and sustainability come first
• Develop PFAS-free coatings that serve as effective water and oil barriers for packaging applications, ensuring safety and durability throughout
• Refine coating methods and optimize processing conditions to improve the application of new coatings
• Engineers’ prototypes that meet specified oil and water barrier requirements for both food packaging and textiles
• Develop and demonstrate guiding principles, criteria and tools that promote the creation of coatings aligned with safe and sustainable design principles
• Promote greater market acceptance and stakeholder buy-in for the newly developed coatings through strategic outreach and engagement efforts

ZeroF’s holistic approach to combating PFAS pollution through innovative coating technologies represents a significant step toward a safer and more sustainable future.

ZeroF strives to provide viable solutions and catalyze broader industry shifts to PFAS-free products by prioritizing safe and sustainable alternatives, rigorous analysis and collaborative efforts.

ZeroF seeks to pave the way for a cleaner environment and healthier communities through continued commitment and partnership, underscoring the need for responsible innovation in addressing pressing environmental challenges.

All ZeroF partners can be found at:
www.zerof.eu/partners

Disclaimer

Co-financed by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Executive Agency for Health and Digital. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for this.

Co-financed by the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of SERI.