PFAS

All of Better Earth's PFAS resources in one place

At Better Earth we are commited to creating safe and sustainable packaging. As an organization, we are working diligently and expeditiously to move away from PFAS. Currently, over 75% of our products are PFAS-free. Our goal as an organization is to be completely PFAs free by end of 2023.

What are PFAS?

PFAS are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a general class of more than 5,000 chemicals. 
PFAS’ fluorine carbon bond makes them very hard to break down, which is why they’re often referred to as “forever chemicals.”
They serve many purposes but are best known for making products waterproof, stain resistant, and grease resistant. With that in mind, we’re learning that PFAS are in just about everything—from compostable packaging to firefighting foam, pizza boxes, disposable face masks, makeup, jeans, pots and pans, and more.

How are PFAS harmful to people and our planet?

PFAS has been detected in 2400 drinking water systems around the country, and is now considered one of the top toxic chemicals in our country’s water supply.
PFAS has been found in the blood of 97% of Americans and has even been detected in the fetus’ of unborn babies.
Exposure to PFAS increases the risk of kidney & testicular cancer, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, preeclampsia in pregnant women, reduction in infant birth weight, and reduced effectiveness of vaccines.

Where can I learn more about PFAS?

Better Earth’s PFAS 101 blog
Better Earth's PFAS 101 Webinar with the Environmental Working Group
The movie Dark Waters
The movie The Devil We Know

Where is there PFAS legislation specific to food packaging?

8 states have now banned PFAS in food packaging: California, Connecticut, Maine, Minnesota, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.
California has moved to take action on removing PFAS from packaging sold at foodservice institutions within state-owned property (SB 1335).
PFAS Legislation and Industry Guides
- Environmental Working Group
- Safer States
  - PFAS Policies Overview
  - Food Packaging Specific Policies

How do I identify PFAS-free packaging?

The best way to identify PFAS-free products is to confirm if the product in question is third-party certified by:
- Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)
- Compost Manufacturers Alliance (CMA)
In order to get this certification, compostable products must be verified PFAS-free, alongside other rigorous tests to confirm their compostability.
If the product does not have a visible logo from BPI or CMA, you can look up the product’s brand on the BPI website’s database.

Better Earth PFAS-free Collections