Intertek Launches Industry-Leading PFAS-Free Certification Program to Advance Safer, More Transparent Consumer Products
30 May 2025
Setting a new benchmark for chemical transparency and third-party accountability
Grand Rapids, Mich.: Intertek, a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide, has launched its PFAS-Free Certification Program, a rigorous new certification designed to validate the absence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer and industrial products, components, and raw materials.
PFAS, widely used in textiles, cosmetics, food packaging, and other everyday products, have been linked to serious health concerns and are increasingly regulated due to their environmental persistence. Intertek’s PFAS-Free Certification sets a new benchmark for chemical transparency and third-party accountability in industries facing mounting regulatory scrutiny and consumer demand for PFAS-free goods.
At the core of the program is Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) testing, a comprehensive screening method that captures known, unknown and emerging PFAS. Intertek’s certification exceeds current industry standards with a market-leading limit of 20 parts per million (ppm)—surpassing other PFAS-free programs and many existing regulatory limits, which typically require PFAS under 50 ppm. This lower threshold ensures heightened sensitivity and better supports compliance with the direction of global regulations. For materials that cannot be tested using TOF—such as metals, stone, or glass—Intertek conducts an audit of chemical formulation data, ensuring all components in a certified product are fully evaluated.
“Our PFAS-Free Certification is not just about meeting minimum requirements—it’s about raising the bar,” said Kristen Osterwood, Lead Sustainability Engineer at Intertek. “We’ve built this program to help manufacturers get ahead of regulations, meet rising consumer expectations, and back up their PFAS-free claims with real, scientifically sound evidence.”
Key features of the program include:
- TOF testing to efficiently screen for a wide spectrum of known, unknown and emerging PFAS compounds.
- Material Data Audits and Quality System Evaluations to ensure product consistency and eliminate unintentional contamination.
- Certification eligibility across diverse product categories, including textiles, building materials, food packaging, personal care items, cookware, and industrial goods.
- A focus on regulatory alignment and market differentiation, helping certified products stand out in sustainability-driven industries.
For Media Information:
Please contact
Amy Paille
NA PR Manager
amy.paille@intertek.com
For Technical Information:
Please contact
Faye Ricker
Certification Manager
faye.ricker@intertek.com
About Intertek
Intertek is a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide.
Our network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices in more than 100 countries, delivers innovative and bespoke Assurance, Testing, Inspection and Certification solutions for our customers' operations and supply chains.
Intertek is a purpose-led company to Bring Quality, Safety and Sustainability to Life. We provide 24/7 mission-critical quality assurance solutions to our clients to ensure that they can operate with well-functioning supply chains in each of their operations.
Our Customer Promise is: Intertek Total Quality Assurance expertise, delivered consistently, with precision, pace and passion, enabling our customers to power ahead safely.
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