PFAS USE IN PRODUCTS

Why are PFAS used?

The widespread use of PFAS comes down to a few key chemical characteristics that make them attractive to manufacturers. PFAS in most products are by no means essential—their usage often reflects convenient or cost-effective choices rooted in a time when their harmful effects were not yet fully understood.

PFAS-free alternatives are now available across a wide-range of sectors. Fidra is calling for a restriction on all avoidable uses of PFAS to protect both public and environmental health and accelerate innovation of safe and sustainable alternatives.

Find out more about common uses of PFAS as well as the growing availability of PFAS-free alternatives below.

PFAS repel water and oil

PFAS can alter the surface tension of liquids, meaning when liquids encounter PFAS treated surfaces they form beads and roll away, rather than soaking into the material. This is one way of making fabrics waterproof and was the traditional method for making outdoor clothing ‘water-repellent’. PFAS-based treatments also effectively repel oil. This can be useful for stain resistant treatments used in fabrics and textiles, as well as in food packaging, to prevent grease and liquids from soaking in and weakening the material.

There are now many PFAS-free solutions that can provide effective water- and oil- repellence. Waterproof membranes can be made from 100% recyclable polyester, avoiding a toxic chemical coating, while still providing the same function [1]. Plant-based coatings are also available for food packaging, providing a grease- and water-resistant layer while being fully biodegradable [2].

PFAS make surfaces slippery

Perhaps one of the most well-known uses of PFAS is their ability to create ‘non-stick’ surfaces, typically associated with cookware such as frying pans. However, they are also used for this purpose in numerous other products including oils and lubricants like bike oils and ski waxes.

Fortunately, PFAS-free alternatives that provide the same non-stick function are readily available. For example, ceramic coated cookware is free from toxic chemicals and can provide users with the same non-stick cooking experience [3]. Plant-based waxes can also provide lubrication without the environmental persistence of PFAS [4].

PFAS are surfactants – they help liquids to mix and spread

Surfactants are used to help liquids, such as cleaning products, mix more effectively. They also improve spreading, levelling and foam control. This helps ensure formulations spread easily in everything from wall paints to cosmetics.

PFAS as surfactants often come into direct contact with our skin through cosmetics and toiletries which are then washed off into wastewater supplies. From here, PFAS can then be applied directly onto soil and crops in the form of sewage sludge.

In cosmetics, many biopolymer alternatives can replace PFAS while still allowing for a smooth application and waterproofing effect [4]. Similarly, bio-based additives can stabilize pigments in paints and act as effective surfactants in cleaning products [5].

PFAS use in non-consumer functions

Linked to the properties mentioned above, PFAS have found many uses beyond consumer products. Many pesticides, for example, contain PFAS, providing a direct source for pollution onto soil, crops and into waterways. Another key example is in firefighting foams, which represent major sources of environmental PFAS pollution, concentrated around airports, military bases and fire training centres. Traces of PFAS are also found on many plastic products, not as an intentionally added ingredient, but left over from manufacturing processes, e.g. in artificial turf, where PFAS is used as a lubricant in the plastic manufacture.

PFAS-free firefighting foams are now in use across many major international airports, making this an increasingly unnecessary, and therefore solvable, source of pollution. The UK is currently reviewing a restriction proposal for PFAS use in firefighting foams, for which Fidra has submitted evidence. Fidra is also calling for a restriction on the use of PFAS in pesticides, and for greater support for the development of sustainable alternatives to chemical inputs wherever possible, such as advancements in Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

Finding PFAS-free alternatives

PFAS terminology & labelling

It is not legally required for PFAS to be disclosed on product labels or to be shared along supply chains. The terminology used to describe PFAS can also vary making it even more difficult to identify. We’ve included some of the most commonly used PFAS terms below:

• PFAS (per– or poly-fluorinated alkyl substances) or ‘Forever Chemicals’ – This refers to the overall group of 10,000+ chemicals.
• PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) – A PFAS subgroup of fluoropolymers, often found in coatings like Teflon and bike oils.  

• PFC – poly/perfluorinated compounds i.e., PFAS compounds. Waterproof clothing is often labelled as PFC-free.

• PFO – perfluorooctane i.e., PFOA and PFOS (and similar) PFAS compounds.
• GenX – PFAS developed by DuPont to replace PFOA as production aids in making fluoropolymer plastics (e.g. used in Teflon).

The confusing terminology doesn’t end with the group name. Specific chemicals within the group also often have multiple names. For example, PFOA, a well-known PFAS, is often referred to as C8.

When looking for PFAS-free alternatives, it is important to ensure the product is free from ALL PFAS. Some products are often labelled for example as PFOS & PFOA free, but these are only two PFAS that are already internationally restricted. Products with this label may still contain other replacement PFAS.

References

[1]        “Sustainability – Sympatex Membran & Laminate.” Accessed: Feb. 25, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.sympatex.com/en/sustainability/

[2]        M. Hadidi et al., “Plant protein-based food packaging films; recent advances in fabrication, characterization, and applications,” Trends Food Sci Technol, vol. 120, pp. 154–173, Feb. 2022, doi: 10.1016/J.TIFS.2022.01.013.

[3]        “PFAS Free Ski Wax – Center for Environmental Health.” Accessed: Feb. 25, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://ceh.org/yourhealth/pfas-free-ski-wax/

[4]        “PFAS in Cosmetics: Global Regulations and Health Impacts.” Accessed: Feb. 25, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://ecomundo.eu/en/blog/pfas-cosmetics-global-regulations-health-impacts

[5]        “A Doctor’s Guide to Non-Toxic Interior Wall Paints — Interior Medicine.” Accessed: Feb. 25, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.interiormedicine.com/wall-paint