Through extensive research and collaboration, Zerof aims to identify and implement effective strategies to not only mitigate the environmental impact of PFA pollution, but also to protect public health through innovative PFAS-free coatings. It’s there.
PFA, or polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a family of thousands of chemicals widely used in everyday products such as waterproof clothing, nonstick cooking utensils, food packaging, cosmetics, and even medical devices. Discovered in the 1930s, PFA has been incorporated into consumer and industrial products since the 1950s and is valued for its ability to resist heat, oil, dirt and water.
As a result, these chemicals have become essential in many industries. However, growing concerns have emerged regarding potential health and environmental impacts. PFA is a persistent chemical that does not naturally deteriorate over time, both in the environment and in the human body. Some PFAS compounds are associated with long-term health risks, including cancer, liver damage, hormone destruction, and weakened immune function.
A recent Eurobarometer survey by the European Commission highlights a major gap in public perceptions regarding PFA. Only 29% of Europeans are familiar with these substances, and are often referred to as “eternal chemicals” due to their persistence. However, once notified, 81% of respondents expressed concern about potential health risks, and 84% were concerned about environmental impacts.
Zerof Project
The ZEROF project, addressing these challenges, was launched in 2023 and brought together 12 European partners in research and industry. Funded by the European Commission and the Swiss State Secretariat for education, research and innovation under the Horizon Europe program, the project aims to develop safe and sustainable alternatives to PFA. It’s the purpose. The mission is to replace PFA in textiles and food packaging with high-performance PFAS-free coatings that are safe for human health and the environment.
VTT project coordinator Miika Nikinmaa explains: “The Zerof project developed PFAS-free coatings for textiles and packaging to achieve excellent water and oil barrier properties. The performance of these new materials has improved with each generation, and the results are very promising. .
“In addition, we evaluated relevant standards and regulations to identify areas where activities are needed to promote the adoption of new PFAS-free materials. The challenge of eliminating PFA waste is broad and complicated. But we are fortunate to tackle this important topic and are committed to continuing our efforts.”
As many European masses are still unaware of the risks posed by PFAS, the ZEROF project launched a recognition campaign in 2025, informing the public and industry, and continuing research efforts and politics at the EU level. We support discussions. The goal explains the dangers of PFA as part of a broader chemical crisis and most importantly, develop sustainable solutions, particularly safer materials that benefit both the environment and future generations. It is to promote Zerof’s work in.
The campaign addresses important concerns about performance, safety, sustainability and cost. The goal is not to replace PFA with another harmful substance, but to develop truly sustainable alternatives that reduce environmental impacts and do not harm human health, such as those created by Zerof. It emphasizes that it is. Following campaigns on Zerof’s communications channels, once these important topics are launched, it is encouraged to explore these important topics in greater detail.
Obstacle breakdown: Ensuring performance with PFAS-free coating
A major concern when replacing PFA is whether alternative materials can provide the same protective properties, such as water and oil resistance, just like the multipurpose chemicals they replace. After years of research into alternatives to PFAS, the answer is clear. There are PFAS-free materials with comparable performance.
Zerof has developed an Ormocer® coating system for fabrics that offers excellent water resistance, an essential property for interior decoration such as living room sofas. Ongoing research focuses on improving oil repellent by incorporating additives such as silica particles and copolymers, and maintaining softness and durability while achieving superior barrier performance. Guaranteed.
In food packaging, Zerof has made great strides with coatings that incorporate cellulose fatty acid esters (CFAE). These coatings exhibit excellent hydrophobic properties compared to traditional PFA-based materials, providing excellent oil and water resistance. This is extremely important for items such as pizza boxes and food containers where it is essential to prevent contamination and maintain food safety. Additionally, Biowax emulsions have been developed to enhance water resistance and steam transfer, further improving the performance of these materials.
Our results show that coatings without PFAS are not only consistent, but can even surpass the performance of traditional PFA-based alternatives.
Safety First: Reduce health risks with a safe, sustainable, designable approach
As we learn more about the dangers of PFA, research shows how these chemicals are present in both the environment and in our bodies. A recent government-funded study published in an environmental health perspective by a team of researchers at UCSF found PFA in the blood of 302 pregnant women and their babies. Congenital abnormality. Despite efforts to reduce PFO use, these chemicals emphasize the urgent need for safer alternatives that last in our bodies.
To address this, Zerof’s coatings are developed with a focus on safety, guided by a safe and sustainable design (SSBD) framework. This framework ensures that the chemicals used in our research are carefully evaluated for safety at every stage. Safety experts use toxicity prediction tools and conduct rigorous safety assessments to check new chemicals developed by researchers to ensure that no risks are posed to human health or the environment. This approach ensures that hazardous substances are avoided and only safe and sustainable options are pursued.
Zerof sets new standards for product design by focusing on sustainability and safety from the start. The transition to products that do not contain PFAS helps reduce the risks associated with long-term exposure to these chemicals, providing a safer option for human health and the environment.
Sustainable Coatings: Reduce Environmental Footprint through Life Cycle Evaluation
PFA has a major environmental impact and is not naturally broken, leading to accumulation in ecosystems around the world. In 2023, the Forever Pollution Project, a transnational interdisciplinary collaboration among European journalists, highlighted the broad nature of the issue, revealing the first time the extent of PFA contamination across Europe. Once released, PFA contaminates water, soil and wildlife, creating costly and persistent problems that are difficult to deal with.
Zerof is working on developing coatings that not only eliminate harmful substances, but also reduce the environmental impact throughout the lifecycle. Through the extensive life cycle assessment (LCA) (LCA), the ZEROF team evaluates the environmental impact of each developed coating formulation, ensuring that the most sustainable components are selected. For example, LCAs are implemented in regards to CFAES production. This process helped identify materials that have a significant impact on the environment, leading to improved manufacturing processes to reduce these effects.
Additionally, Zerof’s PFAS-free solutions are in line with European sustainability initiatives such as Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan. By incorporating these principles, Zerof aims to contribute to clean production methods and support environmental sustainability.
Affordable alternatives: Cost-effective solutions for the industry and consumer
A common concern about switching to a PFAS-free alternative is the potential cost. However, Zerof’s research shows that these coatings are cost-effective in both production and long-term performance. Life Cycle Cost (LCC) analysis is used to assess the price of each coating formulation, along with safety and sustainability. This will help the solution get competitive prices and offer long-term savings by reducing environmental cleanup costs and reducing health-related issues caused by PFAS exposure.
Furthermore, because of the scale of technology, production costs are likely to be reduced, and coatings without PFAS are more accessible to a wider range of industries. By eliminating the use of expensive and harmful materials, Zerof’s coatings provide a more cost-effective and sustainable solution for manufacturers, promoting a safer and environmentally friendly approach to production, while also providing industry standards It will help you meet.
Conclusion: A future without PFA
The development of PFAS-free coatings for Zerof’s textiles and food packaging represents an important step forward in creating safe and sustainable alternatives for industry and consumers. These innovative PFAS-free coatings provide performance and beyond that of traditional PFA-based products, while addressing critical health and environmental concerns. By prioritizing safety assessments, reducing environmental footprints and ensuring economic viability, Zerof eliminates in vivo accumulation, reduces health risks, and protects future generations from harmful chemicals We are working on solutions aimed at doing so.
Beyond research, the success of PFAS-free coatings also relies on raising public awareness and promoting legal and political support. Readers are encouraged to share this article and return updates on upcoming awareness campaigns via the Zerof channel, and to discuss Zerof and other projects paving the way for a PFAS-free future. I’ll be engaged. By expanding the acceptance of these new solutions and advocating stronger legislation, we can collectively drive the transition to safer and sustainable alternatives.
Contact Information and Additional Resources
For more information about the Zerof Project, visit our website or follow us on social media. Let us know about the latest research, upcoming events, and the launch of our awareness campaign.
This article will also be featured in the 21st edition of Quarterly Publication.
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