THE vast majority of consumers are not familiar with ‘forever chemicals’, according to a new study.
Conducted by Sapio Research, on behalf of Celebration Packaging, the survey found that 80% of respondents aren’t familiar with the synthetic chemicals used in a ‘wide variety’ of common applications – from fast food packaging and non-stick cookware to firefighting foams.
Known as ‘PFAS’ (per – and polyfluroalkyl substances), they do not exist in nature and don’t naturally degrade. Research is ongoing to assess the risk to humans from a build–up of PFAS in the human body.
Denmark banned PFAS nearly two years ago and in America, 12 states have also announced bans. In addition, and following a six-month consultation period, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is developing a plan to reduce PFAS emissions into the environment and make products and processes safer for people.
Nick Burton, Celebration Packaging MD, said, “Our survey has found that the vast majority of consumers (80%) are not familiar with forever chemicals and the term PFAS. However, when informed about PFAS, some 96% of respondents stated that they were concerned about the potential dangers forever chemicals pose.
“Celebration Packaging has always invested in accreditations and certifications which we take very seriously, so that when we make environmental and sustainability claims, we can always back them up. This sets us apart from many of our competitors, while also giving our customers confidence to help them on their sustainability journey.
“We became aware of the PFAS issue some time ago and began to look for viable non-PFAS packaging in early 2022. Since then, we have been working hard to ensure that we can deliver PFA-free packaging solutions for the takeaway, delivery and QSR sectors – and we are delighted to confirm that all our white bagasse clamshells, dinnerware and chip trays are now TÜV home compostable and that they are certified PFAS-free.
“To ensure that the bagasse fibre clamshells, chip trays and dinnerware are free from these forever chemicals, we arranged for SGS, an internationally renowned testing, inspection and certification company, to test them. The SGS test report shows that no PFAS and similar chemicals such as PFCA’s/PFOS’s/PFOA’s/PFHxS’s were detected.
“Furthermore, the survey also found that 96% of consumers indicated that it was important that their packaging was certified PFA-free. As only 31% were not prepared to pay extra for such packaging, there is every reason for food service outlets to use certified packaging from reputable suppliers.”
