Twin Rivers expands PFAS-free grease-resistant paper portfolio for fast-food packaging

23 Apr 2021 --- US-based Twin Rivers Paper Company is expanding its line of fluorochemical-free (FC-free) and PFAS-free (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances-free) grease-resistant food packaging, branded EcoBarrier. 

The paper packaging is designed for fast food and quick service businesses who are phasing out FC-based grease-proofing agents, with research increasingly pointing to associated health risks. 

By the end of 2023, most major North American chemical companies are voluntarily ceasing production of FC-based grease-proofing agents, explains Rachel Van Wychen, director of packaging at Twin Rivers. 

“Eight years ago, we were one of the first to offer a PFAS-free paper, gaining tremendous development expertise and experience. Our design approach was collaborative as we partnered with universities, chemical suppliers, packaging converters and fast-food brands,” she tells PackagingInsights.

“Achieving the grease-resistant performance is more challenging and costly for non-fluorinated alternatives, something that we’ve taken many years and trials to perfect.”

New line up 
Van Wychen says the results of the trials have produced two new grease-proof paper products: 

• EcoBarrier Plus, a top-of-the-line paper engineered for heavy grease applications, ideal for greasy food applications such as French fry bags, hamburger and taco wraps, hash brown pouches and microwave food bags.
• EcoBarrier Choice, a fit-for-use substrate designed with lighter grease-resistant properties, is known for its “exceptional stain holdout and outstanding printability.” It delivers medium to light stain resistance for packaging, including cookie bags, sandwich wraps, and carryout bags.

“We nailed the formulation and can give customers product options to make the switch,” says Van Wychen.

Additionally, all EcoBarrier products are 100 percent recyclable, biodegradable, and plastic-free.PFAS exposure has been linked with liver damage, thyroid disease, decreased fertility, high cholesterol, obesity, hormone suppression and cancer.

The dangers of PFAS
North American chemical companies are ceasing production of FC-based grease-proofing agents due to a slew of research demonstrating the dangers these chemicals pose to health and their prevalence in fast-food packaging. 

Scientists have found links between exposure to PFAS and a wide range of health problems like cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility, and asthma. It can also weaken the immune system, making consumers more vulnerable to infectious diseases like COVID-19. 

Last year, a report warned nearly half of all take-out food packaging tested across major US food chains contained potentially toxic chemicals. 

The Mind the Store campaign and Toxic-Free Future nonprofit combined forces to investigate the presence of PFAS in Burger King, McDonald’s, and Wendy’s, as well as top health-focused food chains Cava, Freshii, and Sweetgreen. 

The investigation showed that all six food chains sampled had one or more food packaging items that “likely contain” toxic PFAS.

The study – “Packaged in Pollution: Are food chains using PFAS in packaging?” – identified PFAS treatment in McDonald’s “Big Mac” container, Burger King’s “Whopper” wrapper and all of the health-conscious chains’ salad bowls.

Increasing innovation 
PFAS has traditionally served as an effective grease barrier but its threat to human health has presented a challenge and opportunity for industry players.

This year, World-Centric released Leaf+, a 100 percent plant-based, fully compostable alternative to fluorinated chemicals like PFAS, for disposable fiber tableware. 

Combining new technology with an all-natural, proprietary application, Leaf+ is PFAS-free, oil-resistant, food-grade and suitable for hot and cold use, which is an industry first, according to the company.

By Louis Gore-Langton