Why Going PFAS-Free in Food Packaging Makes Financial Sense

Learn why removing PFAS from packaging is more than compliance—it’s a profitable move that aligns with consumer demand and future-proofs your business.

Mitch Shapiro
October 14, 2025

One of the biggest challenges in food packaging today is PFAS, the harmful “forever chemicals” found in wrappers, containers, and other water and grease-resistant packaging.

The good news? Switching to PFAS-free coatings isn’t just a win for the environment or public health. It can also be a smart financial move for your business.

What Are PFAS, and Why Should You Care?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals used to make packaging water and grease-resistant. But they don’t break down naturally and they accumulate in the environment and human body over time.

Research has linked PFAS to serious health concerns, including hormone disruption, immune system damage, and even cancer. As a result, multiple U.S. states and countries around the world are beginning to ban PFAS in food packaging.

For brands, that means legal, financial, and reputational risk if action isn’t taken.

Yes, PFAS-Free Coatings Cost More—But So Do Your Customer’s Values

PFAS-free coatings may cost more, but studies show consumers are willing to pay a premium for safer, sustainable alternatives.

Key Stats:

82% of global consumers say they are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging. That jumps to 90% among Gen Z (18–24-year-olds).
— Trivium Packaging, 2023

A McKinsey survey found that ~50% of U.S. consumers are willing to pay a 1–3% price premium. Another 25% would pay 4–7% more, and nearly 12% would accept a 7–10% increase.

40% of U.S. consumers said they would pay up to 5% more for greener shipping or packaging, and 25% would pay 10% or more.
— Blue Yonder Consumer Sustainability Report

These numbers speak clearly: consumers are not just demanding safer packaging, they are financially backing that demand.

The ROI Is Real

Here’s what your business stands to gain:

Build Brand Trust – Demonstrating health and eco-conscious values creates lasting consumer loyalty.

Gain Pricing Power – Data shows consumers accept modest price increases for safer packaging.

Future-Proof Operations – Avoid costly reformulations or fines later by adapting before regulations require it.

Secure Retail Advantage – Many retailers are shifting to PFAS-free product requirements, giving early movers better shelf access.

Even a 5–10% price premium can be market-viable and more than enough to cover the additional cost of PFAS-free coatings.

McDonald's - Leading by Example

The following announcement is from the corporate website of Arcos Dorados, the largest global franchisee of McDonald’s:

McDonald’s changes its packaging and adds an innovative option.

Hamburger wrappers and packaging bags will be replaced with a new biodegradable component. This is a new step by Arcos Dorados to replace its packaging with more sustainable options.

Argentina, May 2024 – By joining forces, no matter how small they may seem, we can achieve a great impact and a sustainable future. Every small action contributes. That’s why Arcos Dorados Argentina, the largest McDonald’s franchisee in the world and the brand’s operator in Argentina, has begun implementing a change in its primary bags and hamburger wrappers. The company is incorporating the 100% renewable JANUS® compound, which is biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable.

Guided by its commitment to environmental stewardship and community development, Arcos Dorados Argentina continues to develop proposals to strengthen its pillars of sustainable sourcing and circular economy. This decision to apply the JANUS® compound to its primary bags and hamburger wrappers would eliminate 50 tons of plastic material from these packaging annually.

The compound is a natural, 100% recyclable, and biodegradable laminate that, when applied, becomes an integral part of any paper product. In Argentina, this technology has allowed the incorporation of this new compound into hamburger wrappers and primary-use bags.

Conclusion: Safer Packaging = Smarter Business

Switching to JANUS – J&J Green Paper’s PFAS-free food packaging coating isn’t just about compliance. It’s smart business—meeting consumer demand for health, safety, and sustainability while building brand equity, revenue, and resilience.

So, while the coating might cost more, the trust it builds is priceless. And the financial return? It’s backed by data.

Make the switch. Lead with safety. Grow with confidence. JANUS.