Scientists at Northwestern University have developed a new coating for food packaging that may replace PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. The coating, made of graphene oxide, is non-toxic and compostable, and offers high levels of oil, water, and grease resistance ideal for containing food of all kinds.
Food packaging materials are often coated with plastic, foil, or PFAS to achieve water- and oil-resistance; however, there is significant interest in eliminating these materials because of associated environmental and health risks. PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are particularly of concern due to their ubiquity and link to harmful health effects. Graphene oxide—oxidized single-atom-thick sheets of carbon atoms—provides a non-toxic alternative with desirable properties for food packaging.
“When applied to paper-based food and beverage packaging, [graphene oxide] 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,” the Northwestern University news release reports.
You can’t find this innovative new food packaging on supermarket shelves just yet, but stay tuned. The product is now being transitioned into a commercialized technology, with an eye on production and pilot testing in the months to come.
Standards Support Graphene Developments
Behind the scenes of scientific innovation, standards and technical specifications provide critical support to research and developments related to graphene.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee (TC) 229, Nanotechnologies, recently published a Technical Specification (TS) establishing an ISO Graphene Classification Framework. ISO/TS 9651:2025, Nanotechnologies - Classification framework for graphene related 2D materials, enables reliable, reproducible comparisons between different materials produced around the world, allowing buyers to make informed decisions when selecting graphene-related 2D materials from different suppliers and implementing them in the right application. This groundbreaking TS is the first-ever U.S.-led international standards project focused on graphene and 2D materials, and was developed in conjunction with the Graphene Council. U.S. participation in ISO TC 229 is coordinated through a U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) administered by ANSI.
ASTM International developed a standard to serve as an example for manufacturers, producers, analysts, and others with an interest in graphene: ASTM E3220-25, Standard Guide for Characterization of Graphene Flakes. This standard provides guidance on measurement approaches for the assessment of multiple types of graphene flakes, with several measurement techniques and examples for each type of measurement.
A series of TS developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) guides key control characteristics in nanomanufacturing relevant to graphene. IEC TS 62607-6 was developed by IEC TC 113, Nanotechnology for electrotechnical products and systems. NEMA serves as the USNC-accredited U.S. TAG administrator for IEC TC 113.
Learn more: A Wonder Material with Incredible Potential: Inside the First U.S.-Led Project on Graphene