Influence of scientific communications on the acceptance of PFAS alternatives on disposable dinnerware and take-out containers, by information source

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are “forever chemicals” used as treatments on disposable dinnerware and take-out containers to improve their water and oil/grease resistance. They are currently being phased out of use, and alternative options are in development. The objective of this study is to assess how four different information sources (social media influencer, local news, university, and company) influence consumer acceptance of PFAS and PFAS-free alternative treatments. Each treatment presented identical scientific information about PFAS contamination, regulations, and risk mitigation strategies but was attributed to a different source. An online survey of 835 U.S. consumers was conducted in 2024. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and pairwise t-tests identified significant differences across information sources. Generally, information from influencers was perceived as easier to understand than information from companies. Information from universities and influencers was perceived as more trustworthy than information from news or companies. Regardless of the information source, plant-based treatments were perceived as the most acceptable, followed by generic PFAS-free alternatives. Exposure to information decreased customer acceptance of PFAS, bio-based, and lignin treatments, while acceptance of PFAS-free alternatives improved acceptance. Company-provided information resulted in the largest decrease in PFAS acceptability (by 20.5%), however this decline was not significantly different from the decreases observed in other information source treatments. Overall, our findings suggest that even brief, source-labeled communications can meaningfully shift consumer acceptance of PFAS alternatives. Importantly, familiar framings such as “plant-based” and “PFAS-free” resonate more strongly than technical terms like “lignin” and “bio-based,” offering a straightforward strategy for shaping public attitudes and supporting the adoption of safer materials.