Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Paper and Paperboard Food Packaging

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals commonly used in food contact paper and paperboard due to their unique ability to provide both moisture and oil/grease resistance. However, recently it is becoming evident that they resist degradation, contaminate water supplies, and are becoming environmental persistent.¹ Some studies have shown long and short chain PFAS bioaccumulate in tissues and are linked to multiple health risks.² Because of this, much work has been done to bring awareness to the public and design alternative paper coatings based on sustainable replacements. In this seminar, a brief history and the unique materials properties of PFAS will be explored.³ Additionally, the presentation will cover the various applications of PFAS and why it is the leading performer for oil/grease resistance coating.¹ Case studies highlighting large concentrations of PFAS usage in the food packaging industry will be presented.^4,5 Finally, an emphasis on bio-based and biodegradable alternatives that also provide sufficient moisture and oil/grease resistance will be covered.

References

1. Glenn, G.; Shogren, R.; Jin, X.; Orts, W.; Hart‐Cooper, W.; Olson, L., Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances and their alternatives in paper food packaging. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety 2021, 20 (3), 2596-2625.
2. Daly, E. R.; Chan, B. P.; Talbot, E. A.; Nassif, J.; Bean, C.; Cavallo, S. J.; Metcalf, E.; Simone, K.; Woolf, A. D., Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) Exposure Assessment in a Community Exposed to Contaminated Drinking Water, New Hampshire, 2015. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health 2018, 221 (3), 569–577.
3. Gagliano, E.; Sgroi, M.; Falciglia, P. P.; Vagliasindi, F. G. A.; Roccaro, P., Removal of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water by adsorption: Role of PFAS chain length, effect of organic matter and challenges in adsorbent regeneration. Water Research 2020, 171, 115381.
4. Schaider, L. A.; Balan, S. A.; Blum, A.; Andrews, D. Q.; Strynar, M. J.; Dickinson, M. E.; Lunderberg, D. M.; Lang, J. R.; Peaslee, G. F., Fluorinated Compounds in U.S. Fast Food Packaging. Environmental Science & Technology Letters 2017, 4 (3), 105-111.
5. Zabaleta, I.; Blanco-Zubiaguirre, L.; Baharli, E. N.; Olivares, M.; Prieto, A.; Zuloaga, O.; Elizalde, M. P., Occurrence of per- and polyfluorinated compounds in paper and board packaging materials and migration to food simulants and foodstuffs. Food Chemistry 2020, 321, 126746.