POPFREE Industry - Towards a PFAS-free and circular industry

In March 2023, the planning project POPFREE Industry was completed. The main goal of the project was to identify challenges and solutions needed to achieve a circular and PFAS‑free industry, with the overarching aim of reducing PFAS emissions to the environment from all stages of the life cycle.

Mapping PFAS and sharing experiences

During the project, which concluded in February 2023, the project partners worked on mapping their PFAS uses and communicating with suppliers, supported by the communication materials provided by the project. The partners were able to exchange knowledge and experience with each other through digital meetings and seminars covering various themes, where partners emphasized the value of learning from one another. The companies have advanced in their own substitution work.

New methodology for PFAS testing

Many partners in POPFREE Industry have shown interest in PFAS analyses, and a major focus of the project has been on testing analytical methods for screening intentionally added PFAS, including polymeric PFAS. PFAS analyses were carried out on kitchenware, textiles, electronics, as well as hygiene and dental care products provided by the partners, and the results have been summarized in a scientific article.

Link to article: "Identification and quantification of fluorinated polymers in consumer products by combustion ion chromatography and pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry"

Since the developed analytical methodology screens broadly for PFAS, it is suitable both for helping companies identify whether they have PFAS and for future regulatory compliance under broad PFAS restrictions.

Workshop

In September 2022, a two‑day workshop was organized with the aim of identifying key challenges and necessary solutions to achieve a circular and PFAS‑free industry, with the overarching goal of reducing PFAS emissions to the environment from all life‑cycle stages. A total of 54 people participated in the workshop, representing our 22 partners in the planning project, along with external stakeholders interested in the topic and future collaborations.

Companies continue to need support in substituting PFAS from their products by identifying, testing, and implementing more sustainable alternatives or solutions. More knowledge is also needed on how products should be handled in the waste stream to avoid PFAS in recycled materials and to prevent PFAS emissions to the environment.

Is your company interested in collaborating?

Contact us for a meeting!