PFAS screening refined for PPWR compliance: TOF analysis introduced by Norner
Last update on Jul 1, 2026
As regulatory attention on PFAS increases under the upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), the plastic industry is required to demonstrate that materials and articles do not exceed PFAS‑related limits, even when the exact substances present are unknown.
To support this requirement, Norner introduces Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) analysis by Pyrolysis-GC/MS as an additional analytical capability for PFAS screening of materials and articles.
What TOF measures and how it differs from total fluorine
Total Fluorine (TF) is frequently proposed as a standardized initial screening tool, but it detects both organic and inorganic fluorine. Because PPWR is concerned with PFAS which are organic fluorine compounds, a more selective measurement approach is required for compliance purposes.
TOF measures organic fluorine specifically, providing, according to Norner, a more relevant indicator of potential PFAS presence than bulk fluorine measurements alone. By excluding inorganic fluorine, TOF helps reduce false reassurance and supports better prioritization for further PFAS testing. According to Norner, if TOF is confirmed below 50 ppm, the product meets PPWR compliance requirements.
Robust screening of complex polymeric and composite materials
TOF is determined using Pyrolysis-GC/MS (Py-GC/MS), which, according to Norner, enables:
Direct analysis of solid materials without solvent extraction
Robust screening of complex polymeric and composite materials
Fast turnaround times suitable for compliance and product development needs
Norner states that TOF analysis can be used as a standalone screening tool or in combination with PFAS analysis, depending on the regulatory context and customer needs. This supports a risk-based and cost-efficient testing strategy, avoiding unnecessary advanced analysis while maintaining regulatory robustness.
PFAS enforcement under PPWR: A stepwise approach
PPWR enforcement follows a stepwise approach, moving from broad fluorine measurements toward compound-specific PFAS evaluation.
TF represents total fluorine from all sources, including both inorganic and organic fluorine. TOF is a subset of TF, focusing only on organic fluorine, which is directly relevant for PFAS evaluation under PPWR. The final step involves targeted or total PFAS analysis, where individual PFAS compounds are identified and quantified against regulatory limits.
Norner offers the following analytical services to support this stepwise approach:
TOF analysis by Py-GC/MS
- Targeted and non-target PFAS screening
According to Norner, this structure enables defensible, risk-based decision-making by directing analytical effort toward the most relevant measurement level for each compliance scenario.
For formulators, product developers, and compounders evaluating PFAS-free additives for your formulations, you can review and compare options in the Master Catalog of Additives.
Application areas for TOF analysis
The TOF method by Py-GC/MS is, according to Norner, suitable for a wide range of materials, including:
Plastics and polymer compounds
Coatings, elastomers, and composites
- Recycled materials and articles with unknown PFAS history