Tackling PFAS: SPE’s Event Addresses Regulatory and Industry Challenges

For the second year in a row, the SPE’s event in Baltimore will examine the regulatory, economic, and technological impacts of PFAS on the plastics industry.

PFAS and Fluoropolymers: Differentiating the Risks

Forever chemicals (PFAS)  have become a hot topic amidst growing concerns over health risks and impending bans. PFAS include a wide range of chemicals with vastly different properties. They can be either polymers or non-polymers and may exist as solids, liquids, or gases. Their characteristics vary from highly reactive to inert, eco-toxic to non-toxic, and persistent to nonpersistent. Fluoropolymers, a subset of PFAS, are known for their high-performance traits, such as chemical resistance, thermal stability, and electrical insulation, thanks to their strong carbon-fluorine (C-F) bonds. Despite the wide range of PFAS, the regulatory framework may need to distinguish between lower-risk fluoropolymers and more hazardous non-polymeric PFAS adequately, the latter being linked to higher exposure risks and toxicity.

You can also read: Fluorination in Packaging and PFAS Contamination

The Role of Fluorination in Packaging

Fluorination technology is critical in enhancing the barrier properties of plastic containers from materials like HDPE and polypropylene. This technology enables manufacturers to reduce the wall thickness of containers while maintaining strength and durability, which is key to lightweight packaging. However, it also raises concerns. In 2021, the EPA reported that fluorination processes can inadvertently generate PFAS, contributing to environmental and health hazards. Subsequent discoveries of PFAS contamination in HDPE containers used for pesticides, directly linked to the fluorination process, reinforced these findings.

SPE Baltimore Conference: Addressing PFAS in the Plastics Industry

The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) will host its second PFAS in the Plastics Industry conference on October 29-30 2024 in Baltimore, MD. The conference will feature key discussions on regulatory updates and technical challenges, including a session led by Sharon Koh-Fallet from the FDA. According to Dr. Iván D. López, SPE’s director of technical programs, PFAS are found in numerous products and waste streams across various industries, either intentionally or unintentionally.

The event will feature two main tracks: one focusing on barrier solutions for packaging, and another exploring substitute materials for medical applications and coatings.

The Industry’s Challenge in Replacing PFAS

Replacing PFAS presents significant technical and financial challenges for the plastics industry. According to Dr. López, the upcoming conference will serve as a platform to explore the complex regulatory landscape, assess the economic consequences of transitioning away from PFAS, and examine alternative materials that could replace them. These discussions will be crucial as the industry moves towards more sustainable solutions while navigating strict regulations and consumer demands for safer products.

By tackling these challenges, the event aims to provide valuable insights into the future of PFAS regulation and innovation in the plastics industry.