Join the European Project ZeroF for its final event in Barcelona on 20 November to explore Europe's progress toward a PFAS-free, sustainable future in packaging and textiles.
Every day we interact with materials that seem ordinary, like coffee cups, food wrappers, rain jackets, and non-stick cookware. What most people do not see are the chemicals woven into them, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, commonly called 'forever chemicals.' These substances resist water, grease, and stains, but their persistence means they accumulate in soil, water, and even our bodies over time. Across Europe, research and industry are responding to this challenge, exploring alternatives and adjusting to stricter regulations.
The upcoming PFAS-Free Future: Safe and Sustainable Alternatives for Packaging and Textiles event, on 20 November 2025 in Barcelona, hosted by the Spanish research centre Leitat, brings together scientists, industry leaders, policymakers, and anyone interested in learning about PFAS-free solutions.
Over the past three years, the ZeroF consortium, coordinated by VTT and funded by the European Union and Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation, has brought together 12 partners from nine countries to develop safe and sustainable alternatives to PFAS. The project focused on food packaging and upholstery textiles, aiming to maintain performance while eliminating these persistent chemicals.
The final event will present the research outcomes, showcase initial prototypes, and demonstrate how scientific innovation can advance the transition to PFAS-free materials. All developments followed the European Safe and Sustainable by Design framework (read more), which was applied throughout the project to assess performance, safety, social and environmental impact, and economic feasibility in an iterative, accompanying process. At the event, these assessments and the methodology behind them will be explained in detail, providing attendees with a clear insight into how the ZeroF solutions were developed and evaluated.
ZeroF's final event showcases the team's work on PFAS-free coatings, including modified cellulose for packaging that resists water and oil, and Ormocer® (organically modified ceramics) for textiles, combining the strength of ceramics with the flexibility of polymers. Experts will present assessments and explain how the Safe and Sustainable by Design framework was applied to evaluate both sustainability and safety. Attendees can explore prototypes, see case studies, and discuss research challenges and collaboration opportunities.
Participants will get an overview of how far PFAS-free research has progressed and see potential solutions for upholstery textiles and food packaging. Experts will share insights from pilot trials and prototypes, and discuss practical challenges for scaling up production, cost, and quality considerations. Attendees will also have the chance to get updates on European policy developments and the urgency of PFAS substitution, alongside findings from the consumer study on public awareness and acceptance of PFAS-free solutions.
The event provides insights into the outcomes of the ZeroF project, showing how PFAS-free alternatives perform under different conditions. Sessions highlight evidence that can inform policy, including safety, environmental, and economic assessments, as well as challenges affecting industrial scaling and implementation. Policymakers will also be able to discuss standards, incentives, and practical approaches to support the adoption of PFAS-free materials.
Attendees will learn about the impact of PFAS and the need for public awareness. Sessions will explore consumer perceptions and acceptance of PFAS-free alternatives and provide guidance on framing the topic to effectively engage with industry, policymakers, and the wider public.
The PFAS-Free Future event features presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities:
PFAS-free innovation is not only a technical challenge, but it reflects a societal shift toward sustainability and health-conscious consumption. Companies gain practical guidance for transitioning away from harmful chemicals, researchers can share findings and explore collaboration, policymakers can access evidence to inform decisions, and consumers and advocates can understand and support safer materials.
The ZeroF project shows that a PFAS-free future is possible. By combining research, design tools, and practical solutions, the consortium provides a roadmap for replacing PFAS, acknowledging that maintaining the same level of performance remains a significant challenge. Europe is beginning to set new standards for sustainable innovation in packaging and textiles, and this event offers a platform to present the progress made and the lessons learned.
The PFAS-Free Future event is free, but registration is required. It will take place on 20 November 2025, from 9 am to 4 pm, hosted by Leitat, one of the leading Spanish technology centres, at their Barcelona headquarters. Participants will have the opportunity to interact directly with the ZeroF team, gain insights, and explore tools to implement PFAS-free solutions. Register here!