Every time I fry an egg, I am reminded of the hilarious scene in Hot Shots (1991), where Charlie Sheen cooks his breakfast on Valeria Golino’s tummy. It turns out she is non-stick! Amazing!

Throughout the 1980s and 90s, we grew accustomed to Teflon frying pans coated in a special plastic that makes the eggs slide off — just like Valeria Golino. But that plastic contains a PFAS called PTFE, which is linked to serious health concerns.

There are tens of thousands of PFAS on the market and many are proven to be dangerous. For this reason, forward-thinking companies are trying to remove PFAS from their products all together. One example is IKEA.

Eggs without PFAS

Quietly and without fanfare, the world’s largest furniture store has been phasing out PFAS “forever chemicals” from its products — including frying pans. IKEA’s experience, and that of companies like it, is of enormous significance for the debate raging in Europe over what to do about these all-pervasive toxic substances.

But it’s no easy task. The company sells more than 12,000 items manufactured by over 1,600 suppliers in 54 countries — and PFAS are a family of more than 10,000 chemicals. Identifying them and finding alternatives is complex and time-consuming.

“Last month, [IKEA] passed a milestone when it became a member of ChemSec’s PFAS Movement”

Last month, the company passed a milestone when it became a member of ChemSec’s PFAS Movement, officially supporting a comprehensive PFAS ban. In so doing, IKEA joined a group of more than 120 consumer companies that all share an ambition to phase out PFAS from their products. These include major brands like H&M, Lacoste, Levi Strauss, Marshall Headphones, Peak Performance and Ralph Lauren.

It CAN be done

It has taken IKEA 15 years to reach this point. Major steps along the way included the full phase-out of PFAS from all the company’s textiles, and the introduction last year of non-stick cookware without Teflon. During 2026, all IKEA cookware and bakeware ranges will be PFAS-free, the company says.

Companies are generally reluctant to say too much in public about their work on toxic chemicals. They find themselves in a double bind: saying nothing invites customer suspicion, but advertising their efforts risks drawing attention to the fact that their products contain toxic substances.

However, in the current political climate with governments on both sides of the Atlantic pushing for deregulation of chemicals, IKEA reminds us that there is another narrative.

Five “egg-cellent” reasons to phase out PFAS

Fried eggs

Far-sighted companies concerned about the long-term sustainability of their businesses — rather than focusing on the quarterly share price — can avoid alienating their customer base and, potentially, paying out huge damages. Take a look at the United States, where manufacturers have been forced to pay out colossal sums to communities damaged by PFAS pollution.

French omelettes

Companies can gain an advantage over competitors by staying ahead of regulation. With the EU contemplating a full ban on PFAS, France and Denmark removing PFAS from consumer products, and several states in the USA implementing full and partial bans, it is clear which way the wind is blowing.

Shakshuka

Removing PFAS from supply chains is do-able and staying positive makes a huge difference. IKEA stands in sharp contrast to the doom-mongering from other manufacturers talking about the consequences of a PFAS ban by leading the charge.

Quiche

Getting rid of PFAS from complex supply chains takes time and effort, which is why starting now can give companies a head start on the competition.

Eggs Benedict

What IKEA is doing is a trend. Corporate momentum is building behind a PFAS ban, and for good reasons. “PFAS-free” is good marketing. Investors and insurers are concerned about another asbestos — a substance initially marketed as a modern miracle but which led to decades of litigation and huge payouts from industry to people whose health had suffered.

Sexy food should also be safe

In Hot Shots, they made Valeria Golino a ceramic tummy on which they could fry an egg. How far-sighted! Ceramic surfaces are an excellent alternative to Teflon in today’s frying pans.

But not all companies are as keen on such innovative materials. Governments face pressure to appease sections of industry that don’t want to change.

Partial bans on forever chemicals can seem like a crowd-pleasing quick win, but they only provide cover for the continued use of these substances.

A comprehensive ban that works with industry to phase out all PFAS is the only effective and responsible way forward. IKEA, and companies like it, are leading the change.

Anne-Sofie Bäckar

Executive Director at ChemSec