PFAS & Plastics
Langan Helps Institute Strategies and Solutions to Manage PFAS in Plastics
The plastics industry plays a major role in the generation of PFAS, which presents significant environmental and public health challenges. Renowned for their resistance and stability, PFAS are persistent in the environment; within the plastics sector, they serve as processing aids, performance-enhancing additives, and the structural basis for fluoropolymers—high-performance plastics known for their chemical resistance and thermal stability. Yet the presence of PFAS can also be an unintended consequence of certain plastics manufacturing processes.
A subclass of PFAS, fluoropolymers include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE—better known as Teflon). Prized for their chemical resistance, thermal stability, low friction, and electrical insulation, these materials are used in consumer products (e.g., non-stick cookware, waterproof fabrics), electronics, medical devices, and automotive components. Historically, fluoropolymer production has frequently employed PFAS as processing aids or surfactants, significantly contributing to their emissions.
Additionally, PFAS are used in polymer processing aids (PPA) to facilitate the manipulation of thermoplastics and prevent issues such as melt fracture during extrusion, which in turn reduces defects and increases production speed. PPA are integral to the aerospace, automotive, and chemical processing industries, as well as blow molding, injection molding, and profile extrusion processes. PFAS also appear in the surface fluorination of plastic containers, which creates a barrier that enhances solvent resistance and reduces permeation. These containers are widely used for agricultural chemicals packaging, petroleum storage and pipe transmission, automotive fuels, paint products, food, and household and industrial cleaners. However, the process can inadvertently create PFAS byproducts that can get incorporated into stored products.
It’s important to note that the lifecycle of plastics and fluoropolymers involves multiple stages of potential PFAS release, from production to disposal:
– Manufacturing and Processing: Significant releases can occur during PFAS chemical production, fluoropolymer manufacturing, and their incorporation into other plastics. Industrial facilities can emit PFAS into the atmosphere, wastewater, and solid wastes, leading to contamination if improperly managed.
– Consumer Use Phase: PFAS can be released during normal use of plastic products. PFAS may also enter food packaging through recycling, posing a challenge for achieving a clean circular economy. On a larger scale, unintended consequences can include septic system discharge and wastewater treatment plant discharge.
– End-of-Life Management: Disposal of PFAS-containing plastics is problematic. Landfilling can lead to PFAS leaching into soil and groundwater, while incineration may result in incomplete destruction and harmful byproducts.
Langan helps clients institute best practices, strategies, and practical solutions for navigating various types of PFAS in plastics, which present consequences and challenges for property due diligence, investigation and remediation, industrial and stormwater permitting, and fill management/waste disposal. Related emerging topics include expanding environmental due diligence for supply chain reviews and product assembly; the demand for PFAS-free “replacement” chemistries for plastics, such as high-performance thermoplastics, fluorine-free coatings, and elastomers; and the historical impact of plastics manufacturing on global PFAS distribution.
In summary, the presence of PFAS in the plastics industry represents a potentially complex environmental and public health issue. Their use, management, and disposal involve multiple potential release pathways; PFAS experts can navigate these challenges, delivering comprehensive lifecycle assessments and improved management strategies.
A Senior Project Manager and Hydrogeologist at Langan, Adam Goldberg brings leadership and technical expertise to environmental consulting and the AEC industry. He specializes in site remediation, brownfield redevelopment, property due diligence, PFAS investigation strategy and forensics, and applied technologies. Goldberg is an industry expert on ITRC’s 1,4-Dioxane and PFAS committees, a member of Langan Engineering’s Emerging Contaminants Practice Group, and a brownfields redevelopment leader for Urban Land Institute’s Philadelphia Young Leaders Group, Industrial Council Practice, and Advisory Board.