PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals widely used for their water-, grease-, and stain-resistant properties. However, they are known as “Forever Chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment. PFAS can accumulate in water, soil, and living organisms, posing significant health risks such as thyroid disease, kidney, prostate, and other forms of cancer.

EVOH, or ethylene-vinyl alcohol, Oxygen Barrier Layer, is a high-performance copolymer used in multi-layer films, and is the “King of Barrier,” in packaging materials prized for its exceptionally high barrier properties against oxygen, gases and industrial chemicals. This makes it ideal for extending the shelf life, freshness, quality and contains organic aroma vapors of food products from escaping from the container and is an excellent barrier to gases and chemicals. For food products it also slows bacterial or fungal growth.

Why Companies Are Moving Away from PFAS

Growing regulatory pressure and consumer demand for safer, sustainable products are driving industries to eliminate PFAS from packaging, coatings, and consumer goods. Many states and countries are introducing bans or strict limits on PFAS use, making it critical for businesses to adopt safer alternatives now.

Opportunities for PFAS-Free Solutions

Companies looking for replacements should consider advanced barrier technologies that deliver similar performance without the environmental and health hazards. For example:

• EVOH (Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol): A high-performance oxygen barrier layer used in multi-layer packaging. It is classified as the “King of Barrier” in packaging materials. EVOH provides exceptional protection against gases and chemicals, extending shelf life and preserving product quality without introducing PFAS-related risks. It’s widely used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical packaging for its ability to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
• Benefits of EVOH vs. PFAS:
  • Excellent gas and aroma barrier properties
  • Compatible with recyclable HDPE and PET structures
  • Enables longer shelf life and reduced preservatives
  • Safer for consumers and the environment

Why This Matters

Switching to PFAS-free solutions not only reduces liability and compliance risks but also strengthens your brand’s sustainability credentials. Consumers increasingly favor companies that prioritize health and environmental responsibility.

PFAS vs. EVOH: Key Differences

	PFAS	EVOH
	(Forever Chemicals)	(Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol)
Feature
Primary Use	Water-, grease-, and stain-resistant coatings in packaging and consumer goods	Oxygen and gas barrier layer in multi-layer packaging
Environmental Impact	Persistent in environment; does not break down; accumulates in soil, water, and organisms	Minimal impact; used in very thin layers; recyclable when properly processed
Health Risks	Linked to thyroid disease, kidney, prostate, and testicular cancer	No known health risks; considered safe for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals
Regulatory Status	Increasing bans and strict limits globally	Approved for food contact; widely accepted in sustainable packaging
Barrier Properties	Excellent water and oil resistance	Superior gas and aroma barrier; protects against oxygen, CO₂, nitrogen, and volatile compounds
Recyclability	Difficult; PFAS contamination complicates recycling	Compatible with HDPE and PET structures; EVOH content is minimal and manageable in recycling
Sustainability	Poor; long-term liability and compliance risks	Strong sustainability credentials reduces preservatives and extends shelf life
Cost Considerations	Regulatory compliance costs rising	Slightly higher material cost, but offset by shelf-life extension and brand sustainability

The table above emphasizes why EVOH is a smart, future-proof alternative for companies moving away from PFAS. It positions EVOH as safe, sustainable, and high performing, which resonates with both regulatory compliance and consumer expectations.

“Future-Proof Your Packaging: Switch to EVOH – Safe, Sustainable, and PFAS-Free”

Contact us and be ready to eliminate PFAS and embrace a safer, smarter solution? Partner with us to integrate EVOH barrier technology into your packaging. Our expertise in multi-layer HDPE and PET structures ensures superior performance, extended shelf life, and full compliance with global sustainability standards.