Materials Suppliers Team on PFAS-Free Solutions

As states and other government entities move to ban so-called "forever chemicals," material suppliers are working together to supply process aids free of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which is a significant issue among blown film and other polyolefin-based extrusion processors that have relied on these additives to keep throughputs high. According to Safer States, a national alliance of environmental health organizations and coalitions working to safeguard people and the planet from "toxic chemicals." As of this writing, 34 states have introduced 294 policies to protect people from these materials, with 154 state policies adopted in 30 states. As of April 2024, Safer States adds, some 30 U.S. attorneys general have initiated litigation against the manufacturers of PFAS chemicals for contaminating water supplies and other natural resources. In polyolefin extrusion, PPAs are an essential material component to enable processors to keep line rates at desired levels and avoid the need to constantly clean buildup on the die lips.