But PFAS can make their way into the surrounding soil, water, and air. And because they don’t break down naturally, they remain persistent in the environment – a persistence that has culminated in them being found in people, animals and a variety of food products all over the world1.
A recent study estimates that 4.4 million tonnes of PFAS will end up in the environment over the next 30 years unless action is taken2. Worryingly, recent scientific studies have shown that high levels of PFAS can be linked to liver damage, kidney cancer, birth defects and other adverse health effects in both humans and animals3.
A spotlight on cookware and the food handling & processing industry
Major firms such as McDonald’s and Burger King, as well as leading UK supermarkets including Asda and Co-op, have pledged to phase out the use of chemicals in food packaging6. But of even greater concern is cookware – as these items are often used in our daily lives.
Alternative to PFAS coated food material
VICTREX™ PEEK polymer is known to be one of the highest performing polymers in the world. What makes this material unique is its multi-faceted features. It is resistant to heat, chemicals and friction. It has mechanical strength, high-purity, and is recyclable and highly durable. For more specific information concerning these properties please contact Victrex. It is in fact used in rice cookers to deliver improved abrasion and corrosion protection.
Victrex have developed the VICTREX FG™ (Food Grade) series; a range of high-performance PEEK-based polymers compliant with major food and water contact regulations and standards – including FDA, EU10/2011, WRAS and KTW. Please see compliance grid below.
PFAS have intentionally not been added, used or generated as by-products in the manufacturing process of VICTREX FG polymers. The latest addition to this series is VICTREX FG™ 700 – a game-changing powder coating that is also PFAS-free.
The introduction of this coating alternative will benefit not only cookware, but the broader food processing and handling industry too. It will impact everything from the processing of ingredients to the production and packaging of large volumes of food and beverages. Commercial and domestic appliances, such as coffee machines, could also be affected as new applications and solutions are uncovered. This can also be used as part of a high-performance surface coating, blended with additives to optimise performance and meet end user requirements.
Let’s make change
At Victrex we use our 40+ years’ experience of working with pioneering manufacturers, to identify and calculate the potential benefits and value of replacing existing materials and parts with polymer alternatives – helping OEMs from various industries identify the technologies and solutions that they need to adopt in order to realise their vision.
Working together, we have the vision, the tools and the products to support moves away from hazardous substances like PFAS and towards less harmful alternatives, helping to make applications and the industry safer and more sustainable.
Let’s make change.
References
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (April 10, 2023) PFOA, PFOS and Other PFAS - PFAS Explained. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained
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ECHA (February 7, 2023) ECHA publishes PFAS restriction proposal. https://echa.europa.eu/-/echa-publishes-pfas-restriction-proposal
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ATSDR (November 1, 2022) What are the health effects of PFAS? https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/index.html
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Bloomberg Law (January 4, 2023) PFAS Bans, Restrictions Go Into Effect in States in 2023. https://news.bloomberglaw.com/environment-and-energy/pfas-bans-restrictions-go-into-effect-in-states-as-year-begins
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United Nations - Department of Economic and Social Affairs - Sustainable Development (July 7, 2022) Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal3
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BBC News (December 20, 2022) 3M manufacturing giant to stop making 'forever chemicals'. https://www.bbc.com/news/business-64042796
About the author
Rachel Hyowon Yoon has over 15 years of experience in leading global marketing and communications in various industries from consumer and IT to polymer. Since joining Victrex in 2016, she managed marketing communications for electronics, manufacturing and industrial businesses, and now is the Marketing Communications Manager for Victrex’s energy and industrial business unit.
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