Join us on November 20th in Barcelona for the final event of European Project ZeroF and explore Europe’s progress towards a PFAS-free and sustainable future in packaging and textiles.
Every day, we use seemingly ordinary materials like coffee cups, food wrappers, rain jackets, and nonstick cookware. What most people don’t see is that they are laced with chemicals such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as “permanent chemicals.” These substances are resistant to water, oils and dirt, but their persistence means that over time they accumulate in soil, water and even our bodies. Across Europe, research institutions and industry are responding to this challenge, exploring alternatives and adapting to stricter regulations.
Organized by the Spanish Research Center Leitat and taking place in Barcelona on November 20, 2025, the event “PFAS-Free Futures: Safe and Sustainable Alternatives for Packaging and Textiles” will bring together scientists, industry leaders, policy makers and everyone interested in learning about PFAS-free solutions.
ZeroF project: 3 years of collaborative research
Over the past three years, the ZeroF consortium, coordinated by VTT and funded by the European Union and the Swiss Cantonal Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation, has brought together 12 partners from nine countries to develop safe and sustainable alternatives to PFAS. The project focused on food packaging and upholstery textiles and aimed to eliminate these persistent chemicals while maintaining performance.
The final event will present research findings, display early prototypes, and demonstrate how scientific innovation can advance the transition to PFAS-free materials. All developments followed the European Design for Safe and Sustainable Framework (read more), which was applied throughout the project to assess performance, safety, social and environmental impact, and economic feasibility in an iterative and accompanying process. These evaluations and the methodology behind them will be explained in detail at the event, providing attendees with clear insight into how ZeroF solutions were developed and evaluated.
This event is for: researchers, industry, policy makers, and advocates.
For researchers
The final ZeroF event will showcase the team’s work on PFAS-free coatings, including modified cellulose for packaging that is resistant to water and oil, and Ormocer® (organically modified ceramics) for textiles that combine the strength of ceramics with the flexibility of polymers. Experts will present their assessments and explain how to apply the “Safe and Sustainable by Design” framework to assess both sustainability and safety. Attendees can explore prototypes, review case studies, and discuss research challenges and collaboration opportunities.
For industry representatives
Attendees will get an overview of how far PFAS-free research has come and see potential solutions for upholstery textiles and food packaging. Experts will share insights from pilot trials and prototypes and discuss practical challenges to scaling up production, cost, and quality considerations. Participants will also have the opportunity to receive updates on European policy developments and the urgency of PFAS replacement, along with the results of a consumer survey on public awareness and acceptance of PFAS-free solutions.
For policy makers
This event will demonstrate how PFAS-free alternatives perform under different conditions and provide insight into the outcomes of the ZeroF project. Sessions will highlight evidence that influences policy, including safety, environment, economic evaluation, and challenges affecting industry scale-up and implementation. Policymakers can also discuss standards, incentives, and practical approaches to support the adoption of PFAS-free materials.
For sustainability advocates and consumer-focused participants
Participants will learn about the impact of PFAS and the need for public awareness. Sessions will explore consumer awareness and acceptance of PFAS-free alternatives and provide guidance on structuring topics to effectively engage with industry, policy makers, and the broader public.
What to expect from future PFAS-free events
The PFAS-Free Future event will feature presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.
Solution: Consider PFAS-free coatings for textiles and packaging that combine performance, durability, and environmental safety. News: Stay up to date on European regulatory developments and compliance requirements. Research: Discover insights into consumer knowledge, perceptions, and demand for safer materials. Scaling: Learn about the challenges and strategies for turning laboratory innovations into industrially viable solutions, including pilots and prototypes.
Why this event is important for a PFAS-free future
PFAS-free innovation is not only a technological challenge, but also reflects societal shifts towards sustainability and health-conscious consumption. Businesses can get practical guidance to transition away from harmful chemicals, researchers can share their findings and explore collaborations, policymakers can access evidence to inform decision-making, and consumers and advocates can understand and advocate for safer materials.
Looking to the future: PFAS-free Europe
The ZeroF project shows that a PFAS-free future is possible. By combining research, design tools, and practical solutions, the consortium provides a roadmap to replace PFAS, recognizing that maintaining the same level of performance remains a major challenge. Europe is starting to set new standards for sustainable innovation in packaging and textiles, and this event provides a platform to showcase progress made and lessons learned.
Attend events and join the movement
The PFAS-Free Future event is free, but registration is required. The event, organized by Leitat, one of Spain’s leading technology centres, will take place on November 20, 2025 from 9am to 4pm at its Barcelona headquarters. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact directly with the ZeroF team, gain insights, and explore tools to implement PFAS-free solutions. Register here!
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