MCALLEN, TX - A big win in the packaging segment was recently announced by Fox Packaging. The provider revealed that it has eliminated Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) from all its flexible packaging options.

"Grocery chains are removing PFAS from food packaging due to concerns about drinking water contamination, health risks, government regulations, and pressure from NGOs and consumers,” Aaron Fox, Vice President, said. “Retailers are committed to safer products and a healthier environment. Packaging manufacturers are actively supporting these efforts, and it's crucial to monitor progress and ensure these commitments are fully carried out."

As of this year, several U.S. states have enacted regulations addressing the intentional use of PFAS in flexible food packaging. These regulations aim to restrict the sale, distribution, or manufacture of food packaging containing PFAS. They have gone into effect as of 2022 and are now being rolled out into 2024, a press release stated.

Iliana Csanyi, Materials Engineer Specialist, also commented.

"PFAS are harmful chemicals that can contaminate the environment and affect human health,” Csanyi stated. “By eliminating them from our products and processes, we have shown our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility."

Supply chain relationships played a crucial role in this transformative process.

"Supply chain relationships were vital to the success of our PFAS-free process,” Lucas Fox, Director of Operations, added. “We could not have achieved this without the collaboration and support of our materials suppliers, who were very responsive and proactive in meeting our requirements."

These regulations do not signify a complete ban on the use of PFAS. Instead, they aim to address the intentional addition of PFAS in food packaging materials.

“Material selection requires a careful balance between compliance with state laws and maintaining the functionality and performance of our flexible packaging,” Aaron Fox continued. “Evaluating alternatives for specific properties, such as barrier properties or heat resistance, becomes a meticulous task. Exploring alternative processing aids and adjusting existing processes to align with regulations are integral aspects of this collaborative effort.”

Sustainability considerations add another layer of complexity, where the challenge is to minimize PFAS usage while upholding product quality. Balancing regulatory compliance with environmental responsibilities remains at the forefront of Fox Packaging’s decisions.

For more on the announcement, click here.

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