By now most of us are well aware of the widespread proliferation of PFAS in the environment. Once hailed for improving product performance, durability, and safety, these synthetic chemicals, originally discovered by accident, have left their trace in nearly every corner of the planet [ 1 ], sparking growing concern over their long-term impacts on human and environmental health [ 2 ].
PFAS refers to a large group of thousands of fluorinated compounds, widely used in consumer products like food packaging since the 1940s. Today, public sentiment and regulatory shifts are pushing industry away from PFAS and toward safer, more naturally derived alternatives. The broader shift toward bio-based packaging is already underway, with starch straws, molded fiber clamshells, and chitosan or cellulose-coated films - all emerging in place of traditional plastic-based items [ 3 ].
Promising alternatives are expanding by the day. Materials based on seaweed, algae, starches, molded fibers, bioplastics, and minerals are all in development. But one technical challenge remains: the coating chemistry required to resist grease, water, mold, and gas transmission while maintaining food freshness and shelf life.
The global antimicrobial packaging market reached $12.96 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to $16.7 billion by 2030. Antimicrobial plastics, more broadly, topped $31.8 billion in 2023 and are expected to exceed $53.8 billion by 2030 [ 4 ].
Clinoptilolite is one of roughly 85 known natural zeolite minerals, each with distinct characteristics and applications [ 5 ]. Clinoptilolite is especially valuable for food packaging due to its exceptional thermal stability, strong affinity for ammonia and biogenic gases, cation-exchange capacity, and ability to adsorb and desorb moisture without losing form. Think of it as a mineral sponge that traps odors, moisture, and more while maintaining structural integrity [ 6 ].
Recent studies highlight clinoptilolite’s antimicrobial and food-preserving properties. On its own, it offers modest antimicrobial benefits. But when ion-exchanged with silver, copper, or zinc, it becomes a powerful, slow-release antimicrobial carrier [ 7 ] [ 8 ]. Combined with chitosan or biopolymer matrices, it enhances microbial inhibition against E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella—ideal for meat, seafood, and produce applications [ 9 ].
Clinoptilolite’s gas-adsorbing capacity also reduces spoilage markers and delays ripening, especially when coated with cations like copper, zinc, or potassium permanganate [ 10 ]. When incorporated into multilayer films, it improves moisture and oxygen barriers [ 11 ].
As a PFAS-free, mineral-based packaging additive, clinoptilolite delivers a powerful combination of antimicrobial slow-release carrier, gas/moisture adsorption, and source sustainability.