Wells PM and the Industry has been working hard to replace Per- and polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) materials over the last few years, in particular within the field of processing aids used in the production of polyolefin films.
This difficult journey has resulted in new and interesting chemistries coming to the fore, and Wells PM has been delighted to bring high performing alternative technologies and products to the market, now offering a suite of PFAS free processing aid masterbatches. Recent EU Commission guidance on the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) however, has led to some frustration and confusion within the industry as, based on the Commission’s interpretation, the requirement for ‘targeted PFAS’ testing may no longer be required.
The guidance now indicates that “If TF (Total Fluorine) is below 50 mg/kg (50 ppm), sample could be considered compliant.” While TOP (Total Oxidizable Precursors) analysis is recommended to check compliance with the 25 µg/kg and 250 µg/kg concentration limits for targeted PFAS within the PPWR, the guidance states that on the basis of the evidence currently available to the Commission, all samples compliant with TF below 50 mg/kg are also compliant with TOP tests.
As the guidance clarifies that Industry now only has to comply with a TF content below 50mg/kg or 50ppm in the finished films, the significant on cost of testing and qualification of films as ‘PFAS Free’ including expensive targeted PFAS testing is no longer required. The film has to only be shown to contain less than 50ppm TF, something much more achievable.
This clarification means that users of Wells PM fluorine-based polymer processing aids, when used at the recommended addition rate, may indeed fall below the stipulated 50ppm TF in their final films. Therefore, these films would be compliant with the legislation without the need for a producer to move to a PFAS free process aid, and therefore can continue manufacturing using standard fluorine-based Wells PM polymer process aids.
It is important to note that it is the responsibility of the producer of the finished films to confirm this compliance through laboratory testing of the finished film for TF.
As regards food-contact packaging containing PFAS which exceeds this threshold and has been produced before 12th of August 2026, the PPWR does not foresee a transitional period for the exhaustion of these stocks.
Therefore, food-contact packaging placed on the market after 12th August 2026 must comply with the PFAS limits laid down in this Regulation, while food-contact packaging placed on the market before 12th August 2026 may remain on the market and does not need to be withdrawn.
There are no exceptions regarding food-contact packaging containing recycled material.
Despite this apparent relaxing of the original PFAS restrictions, some companies and brands have decided that they will continue to transition to PFAS free processing aids, using materials such as Wells PM PA96965.
Wells PM would like to confirm that it will fully support both types of technology and has no intention of withdrawing from fluorine-based processing aids and these will remain available.
In order to provide both types of technology to the market Wells PM has performed suitable testing to confirm that its ‘PFAS Free’ products are also fully compliant.
This interpretation of the legislation is that of Wells PM only, customers and users must make their own independent determinations to ensure they are in full compliance with these and any other regulations appropriate for their products and markets.
To find more information on Wells PMs’ range of PFAS Free Process Aids follow this link: