Total Fluorine Analysis: A Deliberate First Step in PPWR PFAS Screening
The European Union’s Packaging Regulation (PPWR), with its upcoming restrictions on the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in packaging, has raised a fundamental question for manufacturers: “How can I demonstrate, as accurately, quickly, and resource-efficiently as possible, that my product does not contain PFAS?” The scope of LC-MS/MS methods, which typically focus on a few dozen target compounds, can be limited given the PFAS spectrum, which consists of thousands of compounds. This is precisely where total fluorine analysis, with its non-target approach, becomes the cornerstone of your regulatory compliance strategy, as it provides the sum of all organofluorine compounds present in the sample as a single numerical value.
Nano-test offers this analysis not merely as a measurement, but as a strategic decision-support tool that helps shape our customers' PWR roadmaps.
The Science Behind the Methodology: Why CIC?
The combustion ion chromatography (CIC) method , recognized as the gold standard in total fluorine analysis, is based on the principle of subjecting the sample to oxidative combustion at high temperatures (1000–1100 °C), thereby converting all fluorine-containing compounds into fluoride ions (F⁻). The greatest advantage of this method for PFAS screening compared to other techniques (e.g., extractable organic fluorine—EOF) is that the entire sample can be analyzed independently of the matrix. It detects all sources of fluorine present in the sample, including volatile, semi-volatile, or polymeric PFAS compounds. This is a decisive advantage, particularly for packaging materials with heterogeneous and complex matrices such as coatings, adhesives, or recycled ingredients. The CIC system used in the Nano-Test laboratory has a sensitivity that achieves quantification limits in the ppb range and provides a fully automated and traceable analysis workflow for each sample.
Interpretation of the Results: Threshold Values and Decision Tree
The numerical value provided by the total fluoride analysis is not so much a standalone “pass/fail” criterion as it is the first and most important node in a well-founded decision tree. The interpretation strategy that we at Nano-Test recommend to our customers—and which is consistent with the draft PPWR guidelines—is as follows:
Ergebnis < Bestimmungsgrenze (LOQ): Dieses Szenario ist der stärkste Beweis dafür, dass die Probe keine organischen Fluorverbindungen in analytisch relevanter Konzentration enthält. Dieses Ergebnis kann im Rahmen der PPWR als ausreichend für die PFAS-Konformität angesehen werden, und eine zusätzliche gezielte PFAS-Analyse ist nicht erforderlich.
Result between the LOQ and the regulatory threshold: A result in this range indicates low-level contamination with organofluorine compounds. To identify the source and confirm whether PFAS are present, a detailed investigation using specific LC-MS/MS analyses is recommended.
Result > Regulatory Threshold: A high total fluoride content indicates that the sample most likely contains PFAS intentionally. In this case, a targeted analysis process should be initiated immediately to determine which specific PFAS compounds are present, identify the source, and modify the formulation.
Nano-Test's Integrated Approach: Analysis and Consulting
Nano-Test Labor Services does not view total fluoride analysis as an isolated test, but rather as an integral part of the PPWR compliance process. The added value we offer our customers is not limited to a reliable numerical result from an accredited and GLP-compliant laboratory. What truly sets us apart is the technical consulting we provide following the analysis. We work with you to interpret the total fluoride result in the context of your product’s specific composition, the raw materials used, and the regulatory requirements of your target market; depending on the risk level indicated by the result, we plan the next steps together (such as selecting a targeted PFAS panel, conducting a NIAS screening, or changing suppliers). Our goal is to provide you not only with data but also with actionable insights and strategic guidance in the complex regulatory environment of the PPWR.
Contact the experts at Nano-Test to discuss total fluoride analysis for PPWR compliance of your packaging, as well as your comprehensive PFAS strategy.