Why Mark Ruffalo warned us about PFAS

... Mark Ruffalo did what?

If you were born before 2000, you are probably very familiar with the actor Mark Ruffalo.

And if you are on this page, you are probably familiar with what PFAS are.

Or you should be.

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Why? Let me tell you!

In the world of environmental concerns, one acronym has been all over the news lately - PFAS. Everyone has expressed how dangerous they are, especially in the food packaging industry, and nobody wants to buy them, treat them or use materials that contain them.

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This topic is so prominent it made it to Hollywood: the 2019 movie Dark Waters recalls the story of a legal lawsuit against the chemical manufacturing corporation DuPont after they contaminated a town with unregulated chemicals. The unregulated chemicals were PFAS.

But what are they? And where can you find them?

Let’s start with some chemistry: PFAS, or Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of human-made chemicals chains, that have been utilized for decades in various industries due to their water-resistant and grease-proof properties.

Over the past 50 years companies producing fluoropolymer coatings have expanded into new markets and applied PFAS properties to different products, such as non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging and even firefighting foams.

Why Are They Dangerous?

Unfortunately, water and grease resistance are not their only properties.

With time, we discovered that these chemicals are extremely volatile, meaning that they can float quite easily from the product they have been used on, and get into the atmosphere: they can contaminate soil, water, air, food and the human body.

Moreover, they can travel very long distances, spreading the contamination further and further: industrial discharges, improper waste disposal, and the use of PFAS-containing products contribute to the widespread presence of these substances.

Finally, PFAS are incredibly persistent: these substances decay very slowly, earning them the name of forever chemicals.

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As a result of these properties, PFAS accumulate in the environment and in living organisms, including humans, contaminating them and potentially causing health effects such as liver damage, immune system dysfunction, and an increased risk of certain cancers.

Given their widespread use, the topic raises red flags for public health.

What about Ecopack? The danger in Baking Moulds

One problematic application of PFAS is their use in baking moulds.

Greaseproof and non-stick properties make PFAS an attractive choice for such moulds, but when subjected to high temperatures during baking, these chemicals can release toxic fumes, and toxic particles can stick to the food and be ingested.

As a result, there is a growing movement towards finding safer alternatives for baking moulds to protect both consumers and the environment.

As of today, we offer our entire range of product in PFAS-free paper.

The world has started to act

Recognizing the dangers posed by PFAS, several states are taking proactive measures to regulate or ban these substances. Some substances, like PFOS, PFOA have been banned for years, but new ones are currently being added to the ban list: C9-14 PFCA have been banned in the EU/EEA since February 2023, and PFHxS since August 2023.

States like California, New York, and Michigan have implemented or proposed restrictions on the use of PFAS in certain consumer products and manufacturing processes.

In Europe, Germany, and the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden proposed in January 2023 a restriction covering a wide range of PFAS uses – in support of the statements made in the Environment Council in December 2019. They proposition is now under evaluation by ECHA’s scientific committees, while Denmark has already banned all PFAS families.

Addressing the Challenge

It's crucial that we stay informed about the products we use, advocate for sustainable alternatives, and support policies that aim to reduce the prevalence of PFAS in our daily lives.

By understanding the specific dangers posed by PFAS in baking moulds and the regulatory actions being taken, we can make informed choices that contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future.