Norner’s new PFAS screening tool targets PPWR compliance with 50 ppm organic fluorine threshold

NORWAY – Norner has introduced a Total Organic Fluorine analysis tool using Pyrolysis-GC/MS to help packaging producers demonstrate compliance with the EU’s PFAS limits under the PPWR, which takes effect on 12 August 2026.

The Norwegian polymer R&D company developed the method to address a critical industry challenge: the PPWR requires food contact packaging to meet strict PFAS limits, including 50 ppm for total PFAS including polymeric substances. 

Total Fluorine testing is already used as an initial screening tool, but it detects both organic and inorganic fluorine, potentially triggering unnecessary advanced analysis. Norner’s TOF tool measures only organic fluorine, providing a more relevant indicator of PFAS presence. 

If TOF is confirmed below 50 ppm, the product is deemed compliant with PPWR requirements.

How Pyrolysis-GC/MS Distinguishes Organic from Inorganic Fluorine for Compliant Packaging

The TOF method enables direct analysis of solid materials without solvent extraction, screening complex polymeric and composite materials, and delivers fast turnaround times suitable for compliance and product development needs. 

This approach follows the European Commission’s recommended stepwise testing strategy: first determine total fluorine; if above 50 ppm, use methods like pyrolysis-GC/MS to confirm whether fluorine is organic or inorganic. 

If organic fluorine remains below 50 ppm, the sample is considered compliant. Norner’s tool can be used as a standalone screening tool or in combination with targeted PFAS analysis, depending on regulatory context and customer needs. 

Bavan Mylvaganam, PFAS expert at Norner, stated that the establishment of a robust method for TOF and the ongoing development for PFAS target analysis comes at the right time for the implementation of PPWR.

What 25 ppb Individual and 250 ppb Sum PFAS Limits Mean for Packaging Materials

The PPWR sets three-tier PFAS limits for food contact packaging from 12 August 2026: 25 ppb for any individual PFAS, 250 ppb for the sum of PFAS, and 50 ppm for all PFAS including polymeric PFAS. 

The regulation applies to the packaging unit as a whole, including inks, coatings, adhesives and associated materials. 

No exemptions exist for packaging containing recycled materials, and no exhaustion of stock period applies. 

The TOF method is suitable for a range of materials including plastics, polymer compounds, coatings, elastomers, composites, and recycled materials with unknown PFAS histories.

Norner says the tool enables a risk-based and cost-efficient testing strategy that avoids unnecessary advanced analysis while maintaining regulatory robustness.

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