No Added PFAS Puts Pregis Flexibles Ahead of Environmental Legislation

Anticipating legislative limits regarding perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), Pregis proactively implemented processes in its high-performance blown film operations to ensure they eliminated PFAS from incoming materials and they do not include fluoropolymer process aids within their manufacturing processes.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is likely to publish a final ruling in January 2023, requiring manufacturers (including importers) to report information on PFAS manufactured or imported since Jan. 1, 2011. If the rule is finalized as proposed, manufacturers will be required to report use of any materials with PFAS and stop using new products containing intentionally added PFAS.

PFAS are synthetic chemical compounds that have been used to produce various industrial and consumer products since the 1940s, and were typically used to prevent food from sticking to packaging or cookware, and to provide stain resistance to clothing, textiles and carpeting. According to the National Institutes of Health, PFAS do not degrade easily in the environment, and PFAS have been detected in soil, air and water. NIH researchers have also identified potential linkages between health conditions and PFAS exposure.

Because of safety concerns, many states are deploying legislative measures to limit the impact of PFAS on the environment and curb their use in consumer goods, Currently, 11 states have enacted laws that prohibit or will prohibit the use of PFAS in food packaging. PFAS regulation is expected to continue expanding regionally, and under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the EPA is expected to introduce additional federal regulations and monitoring requirements by the end of 2023.

About Pregis

Pregis provides solutions for customers that can enhance and advance sustainability and performance of flexible packaging, and partners with customers to ensure regulatory compliance without impacting product performance. For more information about Pregis Performance Flexibles, visit www.pregis.com/us-solutions/by-need/flexible-packaging-films/capabilities-blown-film-extrusion/.