Across the United Kingdom, attention on water quality has intensified as persistent pollutants known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are increasingly detected in rivers, groundwater, and drinking water sources. These substances, often called “forever chemicals”, are widely used in industrial processes and consumer goods due to their resistance to heat, water, and oil, but their extreme persistence in nature has made them a long-term environmental concern.
Recent UK government action reflects this urgency. In 2026, the government introduced its first dedicated framework, the PFAS Plan, designed to understand sources, reduce exposure, and limit environmental release of these chemicals through coordinated regulatory and scientific measures.
At the same time, environmental monitoring continues to show widespread contamination in UK rivers, highlighting the need for upstream solutions that go beyond treatment and focus on material innovation and chemical substitution.
PFAS in UK rivers, a widespread and persistent issue
PFAS contamination is now recognised as one of the most significant chemical challenges affecting freshwater systems in England and across the UK.
Studies compiled by environmental organisations, including analysis of Environment Agency data, show that a large majority of tested water bodies fail emerging safety thresholds for PFAS compounds. In some assessments, over 100 out of 117 monitored sites did not meet proposed standards, indicating widespread presence in rivers, lakes, and ponds.
Further investigations suggest that:
- PFAS are consistently detected across river systems and estuaries
- They are present in fish and aquatic ecosystems at elevated levels
- Certain compounds have been found at levels significantly above proposed safety limits
The concern is not only prevalence, but also persistence. Once released, PFAS can remain in water and soil systems for decades, continuously cycling through ecosystems.
Sources of PFAS pollution in the UK
PFAS contamination in UK rivers is linked to multiple interconnected sources rather than a single origin point:
- Industrial manufacturing and historical chemical use
- Wastewater treatment plants (limited removal capability)
- Landfill leakage and waste disposal pathways
- Firefighting foams used at airports and industrial sites
- Consumer products that contain PFAS-based coatings
Because PFAS were widely used for their functional properties, they have entered environmental systems through both active emissions and long-term legacy accumulation.
Government response: Strengthening PFAS management
In response to rising concerns, the UK government has introduced a dedicated PFAS framework to better understand and manage contamination risks.
The national approach focuses on:
- Expanding environmental and water monitoring
- Identifying major PFAS sources across sectors
- Assessing exposure risks in drinking water and ecosystems
- Supporting transition toward safer chemical alternatives
This policy direction reflects a broader shift: from reactive treatment toward prevention and material substitution.
APP Group sustainability perspective: addressing PFAS at the source
Within this evolving regulatory and environmental landscape, APP Group sustainability emphasises the importance of responsible manufacturing and material innovation as part of a broader solution to chemical pollution challenges.
Rather than focusing solely on end-of-pipe treatment, APP Group highlights upstream prevention—reducing the introduction of persistent substances into production systems and downstream waste streams.
This includes a commitment to developing fibre-based packaging solutions designed to meet food-contact requirements without the intentional use of PFAS.
Sustainable fibre innovation as a replacement pathway
One of the most significant shifts in the packaging industry is the transition from chemically coated materials toward fiber-based alternatives that reduce reliance on persistent substances.
Sustainable fibre innovation supports this transition through:
1. PFAS-free packaging design
Developing grease and moisture resistance without fluorinated chemicals, reducing potential environmental persistence.
2. Fibre-based barrier systems
Replacing plastic- or chemical-heavy coatings with engineered fibre structures and alternative barrier technologies.
3. Improved recyclability and circularity
Designing packaging that integrates more effectively into recycling systems, reducing material leakage into the environment.
4. Compliance with evolving chemical safety standards
Aligning with global regulatory expectations for food-contact materials and restricted substances.
Preventing pollution through material innovation
PFAS contamination in UK rivers highlights a long-standing challenge: persistent chemicals introduced decades ago continue to affect ecosystems today. Addressing this issue requires both regulatory action and industry-led innovation.
Through its sustainability approach, APP Group supports this transition by advancing PFAS-free, fibre-based packaging solutions designed to reduce environmental persistence at the source.
