Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, are a large group of synthetic chemicals that have been used for decades across a wide range of industries. They are valued for their resistance to heat, water, oil, and chemical reactions, which makes them useful in applications such as non-stick coatings, waterproof materials, and certain industrial processes.
However, PFAS are increasingly referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not easily break down in the environment or the human body. Over time, they can accumulate, raising concerns about their potential impact on human health and the environment. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to a range of health issues, including hormonal disruption, immune system effects, and increased risk of certain diseases. As awareness grows, regulators, manufacturers, and consumers are paying closer attention to where PFAS may be present, particularly within the food supply chain.
Are Food-Grade Lubricants PFAS-Free?
Food-grade lubricants are designed to meet strict safety and compliance standards for use in food processing and packaging environments, particularly where incidental contact with food may occur. However, it is important to note that food-grade does not automatically mean PFAS-free.
Historically, some lubricant formulations have used PFAS-based chemistries to achieve specific performance characteristics, such as extreme temperature stability, chemical resistance, or reduced friction and wear. As a result, certain food-grade lubricants on the market may still contain PFAS, depending on when they were formulated and the performance requirements they were designed to meet.
For many years, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) — one of the most widely recognised PFAS-based materials — has been marketed as the “number one” solution for virtually every lubrication challenge. Its low coefficient of friction, chemical inertness, and temperature stability are undeniably impressive. These characteristics led to it being positioned, often very successfully, as a near-universal cure for wear, friction, and extreme operating conditions.
However, the performance narrative around PTFE has frequently been over-simplified and, in many cases, over-hyped. While PTFE can offer excellent dry-film and boundary lubrication properties, it is by no means the only route to achieving superior lubrication performance. Advances in base oil technology, additive chemistry, and non-fluorinated solid lubricants have delivered highly effective alternatives that can meet — and in some cases exceed — the performance requirements traditionally associated with PTFE-based products.
In food manufacturing environments especially, where regulatory scrutiny and brand protection are paramount, it is increasingly important to move beyond legacy assumptions that PTFE automatically equals best-in-class performance. Lubrication performance should be evaluated on a formulation-by-formulation basis, considering load, speed, environment, and compliance requirements — not simply on the presence of fluoropolymer chemistry.
This distinction is increasingly important; lead engineers and technical teams should avoid assuming compliance based solely on food-grade classification (such as H1 registration) and instead verify PFAS status explicitly.
To determine whether a lubricant is PFAS-free, manufacturers should take several key steps:
Regulatory Landscape
Regulatory attention on PFAS is increasing rapidly across multiple regions. Authorities are moving from monitoring and reporting towards restriction and, in some cases, outright bans on specific PFAS compounds.
In the European Union, PFAS restrictions are being evaluated under REACH, with proposals aiming to significantly limit the manufacture and use of PFAS across industries. Similar regulatory momentum is emerging globally, creating a complex and evolving compliance environment for multinational food manufacturers.
From a technical and operational perspective, this regulatory direction means that materials used within food production - including lubricants - are likely to face greater scrutiny. Transitioning to PFAS-free lubrication reduces the risk of future non-compliance, costly reformulation, or forced product changes.
Consumer Concerns
From a consumer standpoint, awareness of chemical exposure within the food supply chain is growing. Even when only incidental contact is possible, eliminating PFAS helps protect brand integrity, maintain customer trust, and align with retailer and end-customer expectations.
Major food brands and retailers are increasingly introducing PFAS-related requirements into supplier audits and specifications. Using verified PFAS-free lubricants can therefore support commercial competitiveness.
Conclusion
PFAS are becoming an increasingly prominent concern across all areas of manufacturing, and the food industry is no exception. As scientific research, regulatory scrutiny, and consumer awareness continue to grow, demand for PFAS-free solutions - including food-grade lubricants - is rising rapidly.
Manufacturers that act early to assess their lubrication choices and transition to PFAS-free alternatives will be better positioned to meet regulatory requirements, satisfy customer demands, and maintain confidence in their food safety practices.
At Activate, we have worked hard to remove PFAS chemicals from the majority of our products: Food Safe Oil | Foodgrade Lubricants | Activate