PFAS-free Additives Match, and Sometimes Exceed, Performance of Legacy Materials

A line of plastics additives free of per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) is giving Israel’s Tosaf a major lift in the North American market.

Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS — a family of thousands of chemicals that persist in the environment and the human body — are drawing increased scrutiny from regulators. 

Answering the call for sustainable PFAS-free solutions, Tosaf has developed processing aids that eliminate these potentially harmful substances and comply with FDA and European Food Safety Authority food-contact requirements. 

Lab testing, as well as performance on customers’ mono- and multi-layer films, have shown comparable performance in die pressure, optical properties, and coefficient-of-friction (COF) measurements, the company said. In fact, testing showed a slight improvement in clarity when using these additives. 

Cast and blown films are just some of the applications for Tosaf’s PSAF-free portfolio. One customer using these additives on a five-layer co-extrusion line has reduced melt temperature by 5 to 10 degrees Celsius and realized “excellent” melt fracture elimination and optical properties vis-à-vis standard PFAS-based additives. 

“In these initial tests, and now out in the field, these products show comparable behavior to the standard fluorine-based processing aid,” said Tosaf Chief Innovation Scientist Dr. Evgeni Zelikman. “Our advanced R&D capabilities allow us to bring solutions that were thought not to be possible before. Our expertise, science, academic research, and advanced testing all work together to support our goal of making a perfect product, one that is 100% accepted in the marketplace.”

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Since mono-material films are often easier to recycle, producing those films with PFAS-free additives further simplifies the repurposing process. 

“Tosaf’s innovation and commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices are essential for the plastics industry to move toward a more eco-friendly and socially responsible future,” the company said. “Tosaf is committed to assisting global manufacturers in implementing these PFAS-free solutions for their specific requirements to achieve an optimal production process.”