Tosaf, a leading innovator, has unveiled two groundbreaking processing aids designed to enable the extrusion of fluoroelastomer-free polyolefins, paving the way for PFAS-free and certified food-safe plastic films. The additives, AP9709PE EU and AP9711PE EU, comply with EFSA and FDA requirements for food-contact materials, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional materials containing PFAS substances.

The AP9709PE EU additive focuses on enhancing the rheological properties of the packaging, while AP9711PE EU improves clarity, haze, and other visual features. Laboratory tests comparing the processing of PFAS-free solutions with conventional materials showcased consistent flow behaviour and pressure reduction, with slight improvements in light transmission, haze, and clarity. The resulting films demonstrate a ‘negligibly lower value’ for the coefficient of friction.

Potential applications include a 5-layer coex-line using the AP9709PE EU processing aid, facilitating lower melt temperatures, reduced melt fracture frequency, and improved optical properties. Tosaf emphasizes the ease of printing, sealing, and laminating the resultant films.

Dr. Evgeni Zelikman, Chief Innovation Scientist at Tosaf, highlights the successful market-driven solutions achieved through extensive laboratory testing. The PFAS-free mono-material PE films demonstrate problem-free behaviour in recycling, contributing to Tosaf’s commitment to sustainable practices.

In a related context, the industry sees other initiatives, such as BASF’s biomass balance offerings and BioPowder’s additives made from olive stone powders, contributing to the shift towards sustainable packaging solutions. Tosaf’s innovation stands out as a significant step towards reducing environmental impact in the plastic packaging industry.