PFAS could be replaced with safe graphene oxide solution
May 28, 2025
SonBinh Nguyen and Timothy Wei (Engineering) have developed a new water- and oil-resistant material that could become a safe, viable replacement for harmful plastics and toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging.
Derived from graphene oxide, the material is non-toxic, environmentally friendly and affordable.
When applied to paper-based food and beverage packaging, the material not only provides exceptional barrier properties but also significantly enhances the product’s overall strength. This could mean an end to flimsy paper plates and soggy takeout containers. After use, packaging treated with the material can be readily composted or recycled — closing the loop on a truly sustainable solution.
GO-Eco — a subsidiary of Chang Robotics and a resident startup at Northwestern’s Querrey InQbation Lab (The Q) — is commercializing the patent-pending product.
Recent independent, third-party industry-standard evaluations have shown that Northwestern’s material significantly improves strength and barrier properties compared to current commercially available solutions.