Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Regulation
In Australia there has been important regulatory changes regarding the use of PFAS in packaging.
In 2022, the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) introduced the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS). Effective 1 July 2025, IChEMS will include a ban on three classes of PFAS chemicals (PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS) (Banned PFAS Chemicals). These chemicals are considered harmful to the environment and are already banned in many regions across the world.
Under IChEMS and from 1 July 2025, the use, import, or manufacture of products or packaging containing these Banned PFAS Chemicals is prohibited (Regulatory Change).
Fluorination of packaging, which produces high levels of PFAS as a byproduct, will be affected by the Regulatory Change. Consequently, effective 1 July 2025, Pact will no longer offer fluorination of packaging in its supply of products.
While fluorination will no longer be part of our offering, Pact will continue to provide Plasma Coating, an IChEMS compliant alternative to fluorination. Pact’s Plasma Coating is a globally proven and licensed technology that provides a barrier solution for chemical packaging that is more sustainable than existing alternatives.
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