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ROCOL becomes first to receive NSF’s new PFAS-free certification for lubricants

Posted: 20 June 2025 | | No comments yet

ROCOL has become the first company to receive NSF’s PFAS free certification for its FOODLUBE lubricants—marking a major step forward in food safety and sustainability.

Industrial lubrication expert ROCOL has become the first company in the world to receive the new NSF 537 PFAS-free certification for products in its FOODLUBE® range – a major step forward for food safety and environmental responsibility.

The new certification, introduced by NSF in March 2025, is the first standard globally to verify that a product contains no per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as ‘forever chemicals’. These substances are increasingly scrutinised due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks.

Following rigorous testing by NSF, ROCOL’s FOODLUBE Premier 1, FOODLUBE Universal 2, FOODLUBE WD Spray and FOODLUBE Chain Spray have now been approved as PFAS-free lubricants, giving food manufacturers a new level of reassurance about the materials used in their production environments.

According to ROCOL, the company is now working to certify an additional 25 FOODLUBE products for PFAS-free certification, which it aims to complete later this year.

Setting a new benchmark in food-safe lubrication

NSF’s testing process is considered the most robust in the industry, assessing raw material content, formulation integrity and transparency, and auditing of the supply chain. The new NSF 537 mark can only be issued after meeting stringent criteria – and ROCOL is the first in the lubricants sector to meet them.

Jess Baker, Senior Scientist at ROCOL, who worked closely with NSF during the process, said:

NSF’s new PFAS-free certification is a significant step forward for the food industry. Being the first to achieve this recognition shows our commitment to innovation, environmental protection, and food safety.

We’re proud to help set a new standard and look forward to certifying our full FOODLUBE range.”

Reducing PFAS in food production environments

The announcement builds on ROCOL’s 2024 move to eliminate PFAS from its entire FOODLUBE range, reducing an estimated 425kg of PFAS emissions annually. The company believes this proactive stance helps customers in the food and beverage sector comply with tightening regulatory standards while minimising environmental impact.

Sam Cole, Director of Food Contact Evaluations at NSF, added:

NSF certification marks are globally recognised indicators of verified safety and sustainability. ROCOL’s achievement demonstrates true industry leadership and sets a new benchmark for PFAS-free food-grade lubricants.”

FOODLUBE products are already widely trusted for performance and safety, holding NSF H1 registration and certification to ISO 21469, which ensures compliance with strict hygiene and contamination control standards.

As awareness of PFAS grows across the food sector, ROCOL’s milestone represents more than just a technical achievement – it signals a broader industry shift towards safer, PFAS-free production environments.

For a detailed analysis of PFAS in food production, regulation, and testing, read our PFAS in Food Market Report. The report includes expert insights, case studies, and the latest developments shaping industry response to ‘forever chemicals’.

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