A PFAS-Free Future for Food Wrappers?

Impermea and INX team up to launch a PFAS-free, recyclable coating for paper packaging

14 Nov 2025

A significant shift is underway in the food packaging industry, drawing attention across the supply chain. Impermea Materials and INX International have teamed up in an exclusive strategic partnership aimed at advancing a promising PFAS-free, polyethylene-free barrier coating, with an eye toward commercial rollout. This announcement comes at a time when regulators, brands, and consumers are demanding packaging that is safer, cleaner, and easier to recycle. In an industry that has long been reliant on plastics and hard-to-recover materials, the collaboration signals a genuine push for change.

At the heart of the agreement is OLEO PAK 4100, a revolutionary coating designed to provide paper and fiber packaging with the same grease and moisture resistance traditionally offered by plastic films. Impermea has confirmed that the coating meets rigorous U.S. food contact standards and is compatible with existing production lines. INX, a leader in the production of inks and coatings, brings the scale and market access necessary to support a broader launch. Together, the two companies are poised to take what could have remained a niche solution and transform it into a commercially viable product in the near future.

Market conditions are amplifying this momentum. Several U.S. states are phasing out PFAS in food packaging, while new regulations are prompting companies to reconsider materials that contribute to landfill waste. Meanwhile, consumers are demanding cleaner packaging alternatives, increasing the pressure on brands to move away from plastic-coated substrates. The partnership between Impermea and INX positions both companies at the forefront of this shift. As INX president Bryce Kristo noted, the goal is to redefine the possibilities for sustainable packaging.

Analysts believe that this collaboration is part of a larger trend where coatings are becoming just as crucial as the base materials themselves. Instead of simply replacing one plastic with another, innovators are finding ways to make paper packaging stronger and more durable. If successful, this strategy could significantly reduce waste and help usher in a new era of recyclable food service and grocery packaging.

However, challenges remain. Material costs, gaps in recycling infrastructure, and the need for major brands to commit to these new solutions are potential hurdles. Pilot programs are expected to begin later this year, with industry observers closely watching the coating’s performance at scale. Despite these challenges, the sentiment remains optimistic. Many view this partnership as a meaningful step toward packaging that not only protects food but also the environment.

As the push for PFAS-free solutions intensifies, collaborations like the one between Impermea and INX show how innovation and alignment can reshape supply chains and influence what will ultimately land on store shelves in the coming years.