Two of the most common types of paper that provide barrier protections (i.e., grease and water resistance) are natural greaseproof paper (NGP), which is made through the refinement of wood pulp, and vegetable parchment. These two materials both have a dense cellulose structure that confers grease resistance. Additionally, novel applications using common plant-based fibers have shown great promise.
The creation of new types of sustainable, PFAS-free packaging is creating significant market opportunities for forward-looking companies. Given the regulatory outlook, that will only increase, as companies expand further into this area and deploy more resources to development and innovation. Consequently, we should expect to see the continuing proliferation of novel packaging products that will serve the same purpose as PFAS, but without the concomitant health and legal risks. Thus, we again advise companies to take steps now to prepare for the changes ahead.
Chappelle is a food industry lawyer and a consultant at Food Industry Counsel, LLC. Reach him at [email protected]. Stevens, also a food industry attorney, is a founding member of Food Industry Counsel, LLC, and a member of the Food Quality & Safety Editorial Advisory Panel. Reach him at [email protected].
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