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The PFAS plan has significant implications across the retail sector. In this article, we outline how each community within the BRC is involved in PFAS and why it matters for retailers.

 

Contents

Background 

What Are PFAs?

  • PFAs (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a large group of synthetic chemicals, often called ‘forever chemicals’ because they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body. They contain strong carbon-fluorine bonds and pose significant health risks, including cancer, immune system suppression, developmental issues, and reproductive harm.
  • Thousands of PFAs exist and they are using in many everyday products such as food packaging, textiles, furniture, cookware cosmetics as well as industrial applications. 

Why are PFAs Are a Concern? 

  • PFAs are persistent chemicals within the environment and are able to migrate soil and contaminate water supplies. 
  • PFAs bioaccumulate within living organisms when consumed in animals and humans. 
  • There are significant health concerns surrounding increased concentrations within body systems including immune suppression, potential developmental and reproductive harm and cancer risks. 

What Can be Done?

  • Regulatory and policy actions can move to reduce the risk of PFAs within our day to day lives. 
  • The EU has already taken actions to restrict PFAs to reduce their harmful effects and protect the general public from exposure and long-term health risks.
  • There is also a shift in general public understanding of the significance of chemicals and the role they play in our everyday lives. 

 

The PFAs Plan

 
Defra published the PFAs plan which outlines the UK Government’s long-term plan to restrict the role of PFAs within the UK. The plan sets out indicative actions relating to key outcomes and represents a UK approach with the devolved nations of Wales, Scotland and NI working collaboratively.

~NI remains following EU chemical legislation and is subject to EU actions on PFAs and where possible according to Defra  will work with the UK PFAs Plan. 

View the PFAs Plan here.

What is the impact on UK retail sectors?

PFAS in Food and Food Contact Materials (FCMs):

Members should be aware of the below implications for food and FCMs:

  • Increased scrutiny on PFAS use and use of safe alternatives where they exist
  • Increased testing and monitoring, particularly those considered high-risk
  • Potential new controls under UK REACH. It should be noted that progress is influenced by ongoing UK-EU SPS negotiations.
  • Pressure for transparency, given the increased consumer-accessible PFAS information  

To read more about the UK Government’s actions for PFAS in Food and Food Contact Materials in the PFAs Plan click here. 

PFAs in Product Safety

  • Members should be are of the below implications for product safety: 
  • Retailers may need to conduct detailed PFAS  audits, particularly across high-risk categories including textiles, cosmetics cookware and packaging. 
  • Potential new controls under UK REACH. 
  • Increased scrutiny on PFAS use and use of safe alternatives where they exist
  • Deeper engagement with the supply chain to improve traceability and monitoring of PFAs. 

To read more about the government’s actions within the PFAs Plan for Product Safety click here. 

PFAs and Sustainability (Nature)

The revised Environmental Improvement Plan 2025 announced a commitment to take action on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs), commonly known as ‘forever chemicals'. This included the publication of a PFAS Plan in 2026. 


The plan sets out the government's overall approach to this issue, with actions across 3 main sections: 

  • understanding PFAs sources 
  • tackling PFAs pathways 
  • reducing ongoing exposure to PFAs  

The plan reflects the government's commitment to protect public health and the environment while supporting innovation and economic growth.  

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