As regulatory attention on PFAS is increasing rapidly, particularly under the upcoming EU PPWR, the plastic industry is required to demonstrate that materials and articles do not exceed PFAS‑related limits, even when the exact substances present are unknown.
New analytical capability
Norner is introducing a new analytical capability: Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) analysis by Pyrolysis‑GC/MS, further strengthening PFAS screening and regulatory support for materials and articles. Total Fluorine (TF) is often proposed as a standardized initial screening tool, but it will detect both organic and inorganic fluorine. PPWR is concerned with PFAS which are organic fluorine and therefore we focus on more selective and PFAS‑relevant analytical approaches, offering TOF analysis and PFAS target analysis to support defensible, risk-based decision making.
What is TOF and why it matters
TOF measures organic fluorine, providing a more relevant indicator of potential PFAS presence than bulk fluorine measurements alone. By excluding inorganic fluorine, TOF helps reduce false reassurance and supports better prioritisation for further PFAS testing. If TOF is confirmed <50ppm, the product is compliant with PPWR.
TOF is determined using Pyrolysis‑GC/MS, enabling:
- Direct analysis of solid materials without solvent extraction
- Robust screening of complex polymeric and composite materials
- Fast turnaround times suitable for compliance and product development needs
TOF can be used as a standalone screening tool or in combination with PFAS analysis, depending on the regulatory context and customer needs. This enables a risk‑based and cost‑efficient testing strategy, avoiding unnecessary advanced analysis while maintaining regulatory robustness.
Typical application areas
The TOF method is suitable for a wide range of materials, including: - Plastics and polymer compounds - Coatings, elastomers, and composites - Recycled materials and articles with unknown PFAS history
Areas to pay extra attention to
Certain material streams and applications require particular attention. This includes flexible packaging, printed packaging and inks for packaging, and recycled plastics, where the material composition or previous use history may be more complex and less fully documented.
Discuss PFAS screening with us
With TOF by Py‑GC/MS, Norner strengthens its PFAS service portfolio by offering selective, practical, and regulation‑aligned screening tools. Combined with PFAS target analysis, this capability supports informed decision‑making and positions Norner as a strong partner for upcoming PFAS compliance challenges.