California is once again leading the charge on environmental and public health legislation, as the state passes Senate Bill 682, a landmark measure that aims to eliminate intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a wide range of consumer products, including food packaging.

PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals”, are widely used in non-stick, stain-resistant, and water-repellent applications. Their prevalence in packaging, cookware, electronics, and textiles is well-documented — and so is their resistance to degradation. These substances can persist in the environment for centuries, and exposure has been linked to serious health risks such as cancer, immune system disruption, and fertility issues.

Senate Bill 682, authored by Senator Ben Allen, has cleared the state legislature and now awaits Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature, expected by October 12, 2025. If signed into law, the bill would prohibit the sale and distribution of consumer goods with intentionally added PFAS starting in 2028, with cookware facing a separate ban starting in 2030.

California already has existing PFAS restrictions in place for certain product categories such as:

• Paper-based food packaging
• Cosmetics
• Menstrual products
• Textiles
• Firefighting foam
• Children’s items

The new legislation represents a broader and more aggressive phase-out strategy, aligning with a growing national movement to curb PFAS usage. Ten other U.S. states, including New York and Colorado, have already enacted laws to address PFAS in food packaging specifically.

Supporters of the bill highlight its significance for public health. Susan Little, California Legislative Director for The Environmental Working Group, commented: “This bill is a long overdue step toward protecting Californians from unnecessary exposure to ‘forever chemicals’ in everyday products.” She emphasized that banning PFAS in packaging and consumer goods will significantly reduce exposure routes.

However, critics argue the bill may overreach. The California Chamber of Commerce has expressed concerns over the potential economic and industrial fallout. They argue that a sweeping ban could affect critical industries, such as those producing electric vehicle batteries, solar technology, and medical devices, which sometimes rely on specific PFAS formulations for performance and durability.

Despite this, many packaging manufacturers have already begun to adapt. In response to federal and state pressures, several brands have phased out PFAS from food packaging. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also announced in 2024 that grease-proofing PFAS chemicals have been voluntarily removed from packaging materials by manufacturers, following a phase-out initiative launched in 2020.

For the packaging industry, California’s legislative direction sends a clear message: the future belongs to PFAS-free and sustainable materials. As regulatory frameworks tighten, companies operating in food, beverage, and consumer goods packaging must accelerate research and development into safer alternatives. This bill not only protects public health but also catalyzes innovation across the entire supply chain.