There is increasing concern about a group of industrial chemicals, PFAS, that are added to paper, cardboard and moulded fibre food packaging to repel oil and water[1]. PFAS, per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances, are a group of over 4700 industrial chemicals widely used in everyday products. PFAS have been associated with a range of environmental and health issues and two chemicals in the PFAS group have already been banned due to their toxicity and persistence.

PFAS Pollution Problem

PFAS are known as forever chemicals because they can last in the environment for over 1000 years. The vast majority of PFAS ever produced are still in our environment and more are being made and released every day. They are accumulating in food chains and contaminating soils, seas and wildlife. PFAS are now found at levels high enough to cause neurological problems in polar bears and harm a range of wildlife species from otters to porpoises and harbour seals. PFAS have been found in 99% of people tested[2]. With links to a wide range of human health concerns, from growth and behavioural problems to cancers, fertility issues and obesity, we feel the risk of continued use is too great to ignore. 

Preventing Pollution and Preparing for Legislation

Although some PFAS have already been banned, all PFAS, not just those that are currently regulated, should be avoided as they persist in the environment and are likely to have similar negative effects due to their shared chemical structure. Further bans, focusing on the whole group of PFAS rather than individual chemicals, are now being proposed around the world. We believe that companies trying to reduce the environmental impact of their packaging and future proof their supply chains, should be proactive and move away from all PFAS.

Feasible Phase-Out

Removing PFAS from food packaging is feasible. Alternatives are already in use. Denmark’s leading supermarket, Coop, stopped using PFAS in their food packaging in 2015, and US restaurant chain Taco Bell has committed to removing all PFAS from their consumer facing packaging by 2025.

We are asking investors to support and sign our letter to leading retailers and restaurant chains to remove PFAS from food packaging to prevent further pollution.

[1] Forever chemicals in the food aisle: PFAS content of UK supermarket and takeaway food packaging, Fidra, 2020.

[2] PFAS the ‘Forever Chemicals’: Invisible threats from persistent chemicals, CHEMTrust, 2019.