The ZeroF project was launched in 2023, bringing together 12 European partners from research and industry. Funded by the European Commission and the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research, and Innovation under the Horizon Europe programme, the project aims to develop safe, sustainable alternatives to PFAS. The mission is to replace PFAS in textiles and food packaging with high-performance, PFAS-free coatings that are safe for human health and the environment.
As Miika Nikinmaa, project coordinator at VTT, explains: “In the ZeroF project, we have developed PFAS-free coatings for textiles and packaging, achieving excellent water and oil barrier properties. The performance of these novel materials has improved with each generation, and the results are very promising.
“Additionally, we have evaluated relevant standards and regulations to identify areas where activities are needed to facilitate the adoption of emerging PFAS-free materials. The challenge of eliminating PFAS waste is extensive and complex, but we are fortunate to work on this important topic and are committed to continuing our efforts.”