Meeting these thresholds is proving more complicated than it first appears. The PPWR relies heavily on total fluorine( TF) testing as its primary screening method, but TF testing cannot distinguish between different types of PFAS, nor can it reveal whether a substance is polymeric and largely inert or mobile and capable of migrating into food. A packaging format containing trace levels of stable fluoropolymers could fail a TF test, while a format with lower but more mobile PFAS levels might pass. The 50 ppm threshold for individual PFAS also sits close to the edge of what current testing methods can reliably quantify given the complexity of different packaging materials.
Many manufacturers are now combining total fluorine screening with more detailed targeted PFAS analysis wherever elevated readings appear, giving a fuller picture of migration risk and compliance. Selig has been expanding its liner and foam portfolio to include options where PFAS are not intentionally added, and its technical teams are working with customers to manage material changeovers without disrupting production.
Liners, PCR content and the sustainability push
Liners and other minor components have a bigger role in compliance than their size suggests. They support a clean recycling stream, help brand owners meet lightweighting goals and maintain the durability containers need in transport and on shelf.
Selig recently completed the world’ s first successful pilot of an aluminium-free induction liner, which delivers the same sealing performance as existing induction heat seal liners while remaining recyclable in curbside recycling schemes. The liner has been trialed with PET containers and is now being tested with PE containers and dispensing and child-resistant closures. Beyond helping brand owners meet non-recyclable packaging material targets, it allows cap manufacturers to divert skeleton waste to recycling streams instead of landfill.
Post-consumer recycled content offers another route to the same goal. Selig’ s foam-based liners contain up to 15 % PCR by total weight, while our PCR induction heat seal liner uses a heat seal film made from 70 % PCR and a PET film with 90 % PCR – these meet current FDA and EU food contact requirements. The functionality remains consistent with traditional liners, so producers can make the switch without reworking their production lines.
As the deadline approaches and PFAS-free claims come under greater scrutiny, sustainability is a thread running through every material decision food and drink producers make. Selig will be discussing these challenges, and the solutions it’ s developing to meet them, at PackExpo Chicago this year.
For more information on Selig’ s global capabilities and solutions, visit www. seliggroup. com
FDPP- www. fdpp. co. uk 27