Latest PFAS information

The impact of a possible PFAS regulation by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is currently under discussion. As a result, we would like to give you a brief overview of the current state of development.

The scope of the major group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, namely PFAS includes numerous toxic compounds that due to their high degree of persistence can accumulate in the environment. For this reason, Regulation (EU) 2019/1021, also known as the POP Regulation, already regulates the production and use of some PFAS compounds. These include PFOS compounds (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and its derivatives) and PFAO compounds (perfluorooctanoic acid, its salts and PFOA-related compounds).

The existing PFAS draft constitutes a restriction procedure pursuant to the REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 on the registration, evaluation, authorisation and limitation of chemicals in the EU. ECHA proposes banning the production, use and market placement of several thousand perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances with the aim of significantly reducing the release of toxic PFAS compounds.

As it stands, the current formulation would also mean fluoropolymers falling under this restriction and the ban would affect the portfolio of most seal manufacturers. Accordingly, materials made of FKM, FFKM, FVMQ FEPM, FEP, PFA and PTFE as well as coatings containing fluorine would be affected. However, based on current knowledge, polymers cannot be considered toxic, bioavailable, water-soluble and mobile molecules, which means they have no significant impact on health and the environment. With this in mind, we are confident that fluoropolymers in special areas of application such as seals will remain exempt from the far-reaching restrictions. In response, we are proactively campaigning within the permissible scope of proceedings to have the list of affected compounds adjusted accordingly.

Unfortunately, we cannot comment in more detail at this point, since the ECHA draft has only been available for a short time and the process remains in its early stages. Of course, we are already readying ourselves for all possible scenarios so that we can continue to offer our customers an optimally coordinated range of materials.

Moreover, we undertake to keep you updated on all matters: On this website for clear details of any key updates concerning the PFAS topic.