Invitation to Evelyne Thiffault’s Presentation: Quantification of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and the Carbon Footprint of Post-Consumer Fibers Used as Soil Amendments
You are invited to an insightful presentation by Dr. Évelyne Thiffault, Professor in the Department of Wood and Forest Sciences at Laval University, on the topic of “Quantification of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and the Carbon Balance of Post-Consumer Fibre as a Soil Amendment.”
In this presentation, Dr. Thiffault will explore the potential of using low-grade paper and papermill sludge as soil amendments, aiming to divert these materials from waste streams, reduce landfill methane emissions, and promote sustainable soil management. Between 2023 and 2025, Dr. Thiffault and her team of researchers collaborated with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to execute this important study.
Dr. Thiffault will also address the critical issue of contamination by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—persistent and increasingly regulated chemicals found in many recycled paper products and industrial paper sludges. Drawing on recent research findings, she will present results from laboratory analysis assessing the risks posed by the presence and persistence of these substances when repurposing waste materials as soil amendments. She will highlight both the environmental persistence of PFAS and the evolving regulatory landscape aimed at mitigating their impact.
Finally, the presentation will offer a carbon balance analysis of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with different post-consumer fibre management scenarios, comparing traditional landfill disposal with soil amendment strategies. The discussion will emphasize the climate benefits achievable through optimized waste diversion, particularly in finer-textured soils.
Dr. Thiffault’s expertise will provide attendees with an understanding of how increasing regulatory oversight, improved waste sorting, and ongoing scientific innovation can ensure this promising valorization pathway is both climate-friendly and safe for the environment.
Whether you are a policymaker, researcher, environmental practitioner, or industry stakeholder, this event will equip you with the latest knowledge at the intersection of waste management, carbon reduction, and environmental safety as it pertains to the valorization of low-grade paper. We hope you can join us for this engaging presentation.
Date: September 17th, 2025
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM EST (90 minute)
Waste Reduction and Management Division
Environment and Climate Change Canada
ges-dechets-ghg-waste@ec.gc.ca