Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” are becoming a major regulatory and supply-chain issue across the printing, apparel decoration, and packaging industries. Long valued for their ability to repel water and oil, improve durability, and enhance surface performance, PFAS have historically been used in a variety of materials and processes that support print and packaging production.
Today, however, increasing scrutiny from regulators, brand owners, and consumers is driving significant changes in how these chemicals are used throughout the industry. While federal agencies are developing broader PFAS policies, most regulations affecting the printing, textile, and packaging industries are currently coming from states. In recent years, states have introduced hundreds of PFAS-related bills that focus on restricting the use of these chemicals in consumer products.
PFAS have traditionally been used as additives in inks, coatings, and surface treatments in a variety of printing and packaging applications. However, policies addressing growing concerns about their environmental persistence are driving suppliers to reformulate and redesign PFAS-free inks, coatings, and surface treatments. The new policies may require printers to verify materials, evaluate alternatives, and provide additional compliance documentation to meet customer and regulatory requirements.
Apparel decorators are affected mainly through the garments they print on, and the treatments applied to fabrics. PFAS have long been used to give textiles waterproof, stain-resistant, and oil-repellent properties, especially in performance apparel. A growing number of states have passed laws or regulations that restrict or ban PFAS in textiles and others are considering the same. As a result, brands are increasingly requiring PFAS-free garments and stronger chemical tracking throughout the supply chain. These changes will also affect the coatings, transfers, and inks used in garment decoration.
Packaging converters face some of the most direct impacts on PFAS use. These chemicals have traditionally been used in grease-resistant food packaging, paperboard barrier coatings, and flexible packaging materials because they create strong oil- and moisture-resistant barriers. However, growing regulations and sustainability commitments are driving a shift toward PFAS-free packaging materials and alternative barrier technologies.
Many of these laws target “intentionally added PFAS” and require manufacturers to either remove the chemicals from products or report their use to regulators. Common provisions include product bans, chemical and product reporting requirements, and labeling or disclosure rules.
Below is a list of states with active or upcoming bans:
California (CA) – Phased bans began in 2023, extending through 2025 for packaging.
Colorado (CO) – Bans PFAS in packaging and consumer products effective 2024–2025.
Connecticut (CT) – Banned all intentionally added PFAS in packaging from 2023.
Hawaii (HI) – Intentionally added PFAS banned in packaging since 2024.
Illinois (IL) – Ban effective Jan 1, 2025 and requires labelling.
Maine (ME) – Ban effective Jan 2023 for food packaging and requires reporting.
Maryland (MD) – Food packaging Restrictions phased in from 2024.
Minnesota (MN) – Full ban effective Jan 1, 2025 for all packaging.
New Mexico (NM) – Phased in ban starts in 2027 for food packaging.
New York (NY) – Ban effective Dec 2022 for all food containers.
Oregon (OR) – Ban effective Jan 1, 2025, covering foam cups and takeout packaging.
Rhode Island (RI) – Intentionally added PFAS banned in packaging since 2024.
Vermont (VT) – Comprehensive ban effective July 2023 for all food packaging.
Washington (WA) – Progressive ban, food containers must be PFAS-free by 2025.
PFAS regulation is rapidly reshaping the landscape for printing, apparel decoration, and packaging in the United States. As bans on “intentionally added PFAS” expand and reporting requirements grow, printing companies, their suppliers, and print customers across these industries are being pushed to rethink materials, reformulate products, and improve supply chain transparency.
In this article, Sara Osorio, Coordinator, EHS Affairs, PRINTING United Alliance, discusses the state of PFAS in the U.S. More information on sustainability can be found at Business Excellence-EHS Affairs or reach out to Sara directly if you have questions about how these issues may affect your business: sosorio@printing.org.
To become a member of the Alliance and learn more about how our subject matter experts can assist your company with services and resources such as those mentioned in this article, please contact the Alliance membership team: 888-385-3588 / membership@printing.org.
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