As part of the ZeroPM legacy, we are preparing policy briefs outlining our vision for future policies that strive toward zero pollution from persistent and mobile substances, including PFAS. These policy briefs are grounded in our monitoring of policy developments through our Regulatory Watch, and work done throughout the project via the ideas have been developed through workshops and discussions with ZeroPM researchers and stakeholders.
Thus far we have released two policy briefs, presented below:
- ZeroPM Policy Brief on Soil
- ZeroPM Policy Brief on Sewage Sludge
- ZeroPM Policy Brief on New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)
- ZeroPM Policy Brief on Harmonising PFAS limit values
ZeroPM Policy Brief on Soil
Research and innovation funding needs for the removal and remediation of PFAS and PMT/vPvM substances from soil
To support future research and innovation for zero pollution of PFAS and PMT/vPvM substances in soil, we identify the following research and innovation priorities:
- Identify sites of concern
- Develop emission and exposure models
- Advance appropriate analytical methods
- Apply a tiered modelling approach to identify optimal remediation scenarios
- Develop benign remediation technologies and conduct pilot-scale testing
The full policy brief can be downloaded here.
ZeroPM Policy Brief on Sewage Sludge
Research and innovation funding needs for the removal and remediation of PFAS and PMT/vPvM substances in sewage sludge
To support future research and innovation for zero pollution of PFAS and PMT/vPvM substances in sewage sludge, we identify the following research and innovation priorities:
- Treatment technologies
- Robust analytical methods
- Monitoring data
The full policy brief can be downloaded here.
ZeroPM Policy Brief on New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in the Prioritization of PMT Substances
Promote the inclusion of new approach methodologies (NAMs) in the prioritization of PMT substances for further assessment and regulatory action
The advances of new approach methodologies (NAMs), particularly in vitro test systems and in silico models, now allow cost- and time efficient screening of chemicals with persistent and mobile properties for their toxicological hazard and risk-based prioritization.
Recommendations to effectuate toxic hazard based prioritization
- Facilitate case studies
- Provide financial support for (pre)validation of NAMs
- Support refinement of exposure assessment capabilities
- Organise roundtable discussions between all stakeholders
- Update test requirements in chemical regulations.
The full policy brief can be downloaded here. Note this was slightly revised on June 19’th, 2026.
ZeroPM Policy Brief on Harmonising PFAS limit values across legislation and environmental media
Current limit values established in the EU legislation for PFAS are inconsistent (e.g. water and food) or missing (e.g. soil, sludge, reclaimed water). This hampers effective management of PFAS pollution as regulatory clarity across stakeholder groups is missing.
Recommendations to harmonize PFAS limit values across legislation and environmental media include:
- Launch a horizontal review of PFAS limit values across EU legislations
- Harmonize environmental limit values (water, biota, soil, sludge) to meet protective drinking water and food limit values
- Set limit values in food product categories where they are missing
- Introduce limit values for PFAS in sludge and reclaimed water
The full policy brief can be downloaded here. Note this was slightly revised on June 19’th, 2026.