PFAS forever chemicals
PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) were originally engineered in the 1940s as means of adding stain-, water- and grease-repellent properties to a surface or material, as well as creating non-stick capabilities in products such as:
Fast food packaging (food boxes, pizza boxes)
Dental Floss and cosmetic products
Non-stick pots and pans
Firefighting foam
Pesticides
Paint
Stain and water repellent clothing
Ski, snowboard and surfboard waxes
Carpets
PFAS problem
PFAS “forever chemicals” do not exist in nature, therefore they will not degrade naturally, taking a long time to break down in the environment or human body. As the name suggests, maybe forever!
Food packaging containing PFAS is food contact safe. The problem begins when the product breaks down in the environment.
PFAS contaminated soil and its run-off can leach into water sources, including rivers, streams, reservoirs (drinking water) and the sea (food source). The chemical can also be transferred through food crops grown in contaminated soil or compost. PFAS will then infiltrate the body through consumption of contaminated food or water.
There are concerns that areas excessively polluted with from PFAS, may lead to increased cases of cancer, infertility, thyroid disease and other health problems (www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/index.html).
Our solution... EnviroWare® PFAS free packaging
EnviroWare® branded bagasse hinged food boxes, food trays, dinnerware and cutlery have undergone extensive SGS testing, resulting in no traces of PFAS chemicals found present.
A selection of these products have also been assessed and certified as home compostable by the “OK Compost Home” scheme through TÜV Austria.
The ability to Home Compost EnviroWare® hinged boxes, trays and dinnerware enhances its eco-credentials massively. Home Composting is a great way to reduce waste going to landfill, it also produces nutrient rich compost which gardeners can use to improve their soil.
