Duni Group takes action to reduce PFAS in food packaging

In 2023, Duni Group made the decision to discontinue the production of packaging with added PFAS. Now, Duni Group announces that, in collaboration with selected partners, it can also offer a comprehensive range of packaging solutions without added PFAS to its customers. Additionally, Duni Group has joined the non-profit organization ChemSec's anti-PFAS movement to promote the exchange of toxic chemicals for more sustainable alternatives. With these measures, Duni Group aims to reduce the use of PFAS and contribute to a more sustainable packaging industry. We took the opportunity to interview Tomasz Doweyko, R&D Strategy and Innovation Manager, Food Packaging Solutions at Duni Group, to gain a deeper understanding of these initiatives.

What lies behind these initiatives?

The use of PFAS in the food packaging industry has previously been a way to prevent liquid and grease from penetrating the packaging and thereby reduce plastic usage. However, with the emergence of more sustainable alternatives, we want to accelerate the transition to these alternatives. To demonstrate our commitment, last year we decided to discontinue the production of packaging with added PFAS. Instead, we have invested in new innovative solutions in collaboration with selected partners. This initiative means that we can now offer a wide range of packaging solutions without added PFAS to our customers.

As an additional measure, we have chosen to join the international organization ChemSec's anti-PFAS movement to reduce the use of harmful chemicals and promote more sustainable alternatives. Through our participation, we strengthen our ambition to contribute to the development of a more sustainable packaging industry.

The decisions are partly based on the increasing awareness of the potential risks associated with these chemicals, but also as part of our ongoing efforts to drive our own sustainability agenda, says Tomasz.

Why do you use the term "No added PFAS" instead of "PFAS-free"?

We believe there is an important nuance. "PFAS-free" can be misleading because PFAS chemicals are essentially everywhere in our environment - in the air, in the soil, and in our bodies. Therefore, it is practically impossible to eliminate the presence of PFAS. We use the term "No added PFAS" to clearly communicate that we have actively chosen not to develop or produce products with added PFAS anymore. Although we do not actively add PFAS, there may still be traces of these chemicals from other sources. By being open and transparent with our customers about the reality, we choose to use the term "No added PFAS". At the same time, we want to encourage an open dialogue on how we can minimize our impact on our environment and work towards a more sustainable future.

How do you view Duni Group's role in raising awareness of PFAS and its impact?

By actively reducing the use of PFAS within our own supply chain, as well as through our involvement in ChemSec's anti-PFAS movement, we hope to raise awareness of PFAS and its potential impact on health and the environment. We want to inspire others to take proactive action to reduce the use of PFAS and work together towards a more sustainable future.

Facts about PFAS

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals containing several different compounds. It is not a single chemical but a family of chemicals sharing similar chemical properties. Within this family, there are hundreds of different PFAS compounds, each with its own unique properties and uses. PFAS include substances such as perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which are some of the most well-known and studied compounds within the group.