Rethinking Rigid Plastic Barrier Packaging: A Safe/Sustainable/Economic Alternative

PFAS compounds, commonly known as "forever chemicals", are making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Their persistence in the environment and potential health risks are well-established and have been validated through scientific research by both the EPA and independent sources. However, what is often overlooked is how these compounds enter the supply chain through packaging. One well documented source is fluorinated rigid plastic containers (RPC's), made from PE resins. These containers, widely used for products which contain aggressive/volatile organic chemicals, gain their strong barrier properties through fluorination; a process that, by its nature, involves the formation of PFAS.

Fluorination strengthens packaging by bonding fluorine to carbon, which can create PFAS compounds. This treatment provides a reliable chemical barrier and is very effective at reducing product/weight loss through permeation of the lading through the container walls. When these RPC's are rinsed, reused, or recycled, any PFAS formed during production may be washed out and released into the environment. As these containers enter the recycling stream, they can contaminate the feedstocks for recycled post-consumer resin (PCR) used to make new containers. These risks, combined with tightening regulations around chemical migration and waste, has prompted a search for safer, sustainable alternatives.

CKS has stepped up to that challenge with large scale capability for Baritainers®, a unique proprietary patented solution engineered to meet customer requirements without relying on fluorination. This solution offers our customers a safe/sustainable barrier alternative with an economic advantage. CKS has been commercial with this technology for five (5) now and demand continues to grow. Through the application of Kortrax® barrier resins, CKS is paving a path to commercially viable PFAS-free rigid plastic packaging for products requiring barrier protection.