PFAS in Bagasse Packaging: What US Buyers Should Check

A bagasse container’s fibre source does not tell a buyer which grease-resistant additives or coatings were used. For a US order, the useful question is what evidence supports the finished item’s PFAS claim, and whether that evidence matches the version being supplied.

Understand the FDA change

FDA announced in February 2024 that PFAS-containing grease-proofing substances were no longer being sold for US food-packaging use. In January 2025 it determined that 35 related food contact notifications were no longer effective because those uses had been abandoned. This concerns specific food-contact uses; it is not a generic “FDA certificate” for a finished container.

Define what the requested claim means

“No intentionally added PFAS” describes a formulation decision. A laboratory result describes the tested sample, method and detection limits. These are different forms of evidence. FDA notes that contamination can occur and that a total-fluorine result alone cannot identify every fluorinated substance as PFAS. Do not treat an unqualified “zero” claim as a substitute for a report.

Match the report to the order

Check the laboratory, report date, sample identification, analysed substances or screening approach, limits of detection and reported result. Match the sample to the material, barrier treatment and product reference in the quotation. Ask whether an artwork, coating or formulation change requires a new assessment. Keep the supplier’s formulation declaration with the report.

Add the sales destination

Include the US states where the goods will be sold and the buyer’s reporting requirements. For an EU order, consider PPWR’s food-contact packaging PFAS restrictions as well; its requirements cannot be replaced by a US-market statement. Request the evidence before approving packaging or environmental wording.

FDA: PFAS food-contact uses · European Commission: PPWR · Order inspection records

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