PFAS in compostable packaging: What you need to know

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of synthetic chemicals used across a wide range of industrial and consumer applications. Often referred to as 'forever chemicals', they persist in the environment for long periods, with some PFAS also accumulating in wildlife and the human body. Exposure to certain PFAS has been associated with a range of adverse health effects, including some cancers, reproductive and developmental impacts, and effects on the immune and endocrine systems. In this article, we explain why PFAS have historically been used in food packaging, how regulations and industry practices are changing, and what businesses should look for when selecting food packaging products.

What are PFAS?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of thousands of synthetic, human-made chemicals. Often referred to as 'forever chemicals', they are characterised by a carbon-fluorine bond—one of the strongest chemical bonds known. This makes many PFAS highly resistant to breaking down in the environment, allowing them to persist for years or even decades.

For decades, these highly engineered 'forever chemicals' have been the invisible backbone of modern product design. PFAS have been used across a wide range of consumer and industrial products because of their ability to repel water, grease and stains, while also withstanding high temperatures. They can be found in products such as outdoor clothing, stain-resistant textiles, firefighting foams and non-stick cookware.

The reason PFAS have become the focus of increasing regulatory attention is that people can be exposed to them through food, drinking water, air and contact with certain products. Exposure to some PFAS has been associated with adverse health and environmental effects, which has led governments and manufacturers around the world to begin phasing out their use and introducing stricter controls.

Why have PFAS been used in food packaging?

PFAS are highly effective at repelling grease and water. When hot, oily or liquid-rich foods are placed into paper or fibre packaging, the material can absorb moisture, weaken and eventually leak. For many years, manufacturers used PFAS to create a grease- and water-resistant barrier that helped food packaging maintain its performance during transport and use. These properties made PFAS particularly common in products such as burger wrappers, sandwich papers, bakery bags and some paper food containers. While these performance characteristics made PFAS an effective solution, growing evidence of their persistence in the environment has led to increasing regulation and a shift towards safer alternatives.

Are PFAS used in compostable packaging?

Historically, some moulded fibre food packaging products—including materials such as sugarcane bagasse and bamboo fibre—used intentionally added PFAS to provide grease and water resistance. As scientific understanding and regulatory requirements have evolved, manufacturers have increasingly moved away from these chemistries in favour of alternative barrier technologies.

Around the world, governments and industry bodies have introduced stricter requirements relating to PFAS in food-contact materials. In Australia, the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) has published guidance to support the phase-out of intentionally added PFAS in fibre-based food packaging, while international markets are introducing increasingly stringent regulations.

As a result, many manufacturers now undertake PFAS testing and work closely with their supply chains to verify compliance. However, testing remains important because contamination can still occur unintentionally through raw materials or manufacturing processes. Rather than relying solely on environmental marketing claims, businesses should request current laboratory test results, certification documentation and supplier declarations before making purchasing decisions.

Packaging products where PFAS have historically been used

New Zealand has not yet introduced the same broad restrictions on intentionally added PFAS in food packaging that are emerging in other jurisdictions. As a result, businesses should continue requesting supplier documentation and laboratory test results rather than assuming products are PFAS-free. PFAS have historically been used in food packaging applications that require resistance to grease, oil or moisture. Products that have commonly required this type of barrier include:

Burger wrappers and sandwich papers
French fry sleeves
Grease-resistant paper
Bakery bags
Pizza boxes
Paper and moulded fibre takeaway containers designed for oily or high-fat foods

While many manufacturers have transitioned away from intentionally added PFAS, the only way to confirm this is through current supplier declarations and laboratory testing.

What does PFAS testing actually involve?

PFAS testing is used to assess whether food packaging contains intentionally added PFAS or elevated levels of fluorinated compounds. Laboratories commonly undertake screening tests such as Total Fluorine (TF) or Total Organic Fluorine (TOF), with further analysis available where more detailed identification is required.

The threshold used to assess compliance varies depending on the certification programme, customer specification or testing protocol. Rather than focusing on a single number, businesses should request current laboratory reports and understand which testing method and acceptance criteria have been applied.

The compostability standards positions on PFAS

Major compostability certification programmes now restrict intentionally added PFAS in certified products. While the underlying compostability standards differ by market, certification bodies may impose additional requirements, including fluorine testing, formulation reviews and signed declarations confirming that PFAS have not been intentionally added.

BPI Certified Compostable

Effective: 1 January 2020

The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) certifies commercially compostable products in North America against standards including ASTM D6400 and ASTM D6868, together with additional requirements established through the BPI certification programme.

Since 1 January 2020, BPI-certified products must contain less than 100 ppm total organic fluorine. Manufacturers must also provide formulation documentation and a signed statement confirming that no fluorinated chemicals, including PFAS, have been intentionally added.

TÜV AUSTRIA

Effective: 2020

TÜV AUSTRIA operates the OK compost INDUSTRIAL and OK compost HOME certification programmes.

TÜV AUSTRIA operates the OK compost INDUSTRIAL and OK compost HOME certification programmes. Since 2020, applicants have been required to declare that no intentionally added PFAS (as defined by the OECD) have been used in certified products.

For OK compost INDUSTRIAL, products are assessed against EN 13432, including compliance with the 100 ppm total fluorine limit. OK compost HOME applies separate certification criteria for home composting, based on the principles of EN 13432, but adapted to the lower temperatures and variable conditions found in home composting systems.

Australasian Bioplastics Association

Effective: May 2021

The Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA) administers the verification programme for products certified to AS 4736 and AS 5810. In May 2021, the ABA introduced an additional application requirement requiring manufacturers to declare that no intentionally added fluorinated chemicals, including PFAS, had been used in certified products. This sits alongside the fluorine threshold specified within the certification requirements.

Collectively, these changes demonstrate how compostability certification has evolved beyond simply verifying whether a product will biodegrade. Today's certification programmes increasingly consider both end-of-life performance and chemical safety, reflecting growing expectations from regulators, businesses and consumers.

What should businesses ask suppliers?

Food businesses should apply the same level of due diligence to packaging procurement as they do to food safety. Rather than relying on marketing claims, ask suppliers for evidence that supports their product claims. When assessing compostable packaging, consider asking:

Is this specific product certified to an industrial or home compostability standard? If so, which standard and certification programme does it comply with (e.g. AS 4736, AS 5810, EN 13432 or BPI Certified Compostable)?
Is the certification current, and does it apply to the complete product, including any coatings, inks and adhesives?
Has the product been tested for fluorine or PFAS as part of the certification process or through independent laboratory testing?
Can you provide the current certification, laboratory reports or declaration confirming that no intentionally added PFAS have been used?

How Ecoware approaches PFAS

PFAS compliance is not something we assess once. It forms part of our ongoing product stewardship and supplier assurance programme.

Rather than relying on supplier marketing claims, we verify product information through certification, laboratory testing and direct engagement with manufacturers. As regulations and certification requirements continue to evolve, we review products and request updated evidence where required. Our approach includes:

Supplier verification and certification

Where products are certified compostable, we verify that certification is current and review supporting documentation to confirm compliance with the relevant certification programme.

Independent laboratory testing

For paper products that are not certified to an industrial or home compostability standard, we request independent laboratory testing for fluorine to provide confidence that PFAS have not been intentionally added.

Ongoing supplier engagement

We maintain a register of product certifications, laboratory reports and supplier declarations, and regularly work with manufacturers to obtain updated documentation, resolve compliance gaps and monitor changes to materials, formulations and certification status.

As expectations around PFAS continue to evolve, transparency and evidence have become just as important as product performance. Compostability certifications, laboratory testing and supplier declarations all play an important role in helping businesses make informed procurement decisions. By asking the right questions and requesting supporting documentation, businesses can have greater confidence that the packaging they purchase aligns with both current certification requirements and emerging regulatory expectations.

Need help selecting certified compostable packaging?

Contact our team to discuss materials, certification and product options suited to your business. Get in touch at hello@ecoware.co.nz.

By Tracey Creed