The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) is working with industry to deliver a phase-out of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in fibre-based, food contact packaging, that is consistent with the objectives of the National PFAS Position Statement.
In the context of a circular economy, PFAS in fibre-based recyclable or compostable packaging has the potential to contaminate recovery systems over time, which is why APCO is actively working to avoid these problems.
In light of these issues, the federal, state and territory governments have developed the National PFAS Position Statement, which establishes that industry participants should inform themselves about the presence of PFAS in their products.
The study piloted a scientific methodology to identify the presence and type of PFAS in a range of fibre-based, food contact packaging, and understand potential implications for recycled content in packaging and compostable packaging.
A total of 74 confidential packaging samples were provided by nine APCO Member companies for analysis, with scientific testing of the samples being performed in two phases.
First, samples were screened using a high-throughput method for total fluorine, and in the second phase, a subset of 35 samples were then tested to see whether they contained 28 specific members of the PFAS family.
The study did not consider the migration of PFAS into food, but instead focused on understanding the relevance of PFAS in packaging in the context of a circular economy.
According to APCO, the outcomes of the study illustrate the value of testing for PFAS using a screening approach, and combined with the National PFAS Position Statement, provide the impetus to develop an Action Plan to phase out PFAS in packaging.
APCO is looking forward to working with its Members and stakeholders on the development and implementation of the Action Plan.
The study has successfully piloted a methodology that can be used by industry to test fibre-based packaging for the presence of PFAS, and it encourages companies in the packaging supply chain to use the methodology to inform themselves about the presence of PFAS in their products.
The report will be followed by further guidance to support and assist industry to identify alternatives to PFAS and phase out PFAS in packaging.
The report can be found here.
