PFAS chemicals are increasingly the focus of criticism. In the USA, a reporting obligation will be introduced in 2026, and in Europe, a far-reaching ban on this group of substances across various industries has even been under discussion since the beginning of last year. A recent study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials is now examining the potential impact of such a ban.
From January 2026, a reporting obligation will come into force in the USA for companies that produced PFAS or imported PFAS, semi-finished products or products containing PFAS into the USA between 2011 and 2022. In addition, individual US states are beginning to either restrict the use of PFAS or impose a reporting requirement. The requirements and deadlines vary greatly from state to state.
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) presented a draft for a comprehensive ban on PFAS on February 7, 2023. Companies and organizations had until the end of September 2023 to submit comments on the potential scientific and socio-economic impacts of this law. Over 4,400 stakeholders took advantage of this opportunity and submitted more than 5,600 comments and additional information. France was the first EU country to adopt a future ban on PFAS chemicals in April of this year.
Dispensing with PFAS would be associated with a loss of quality
The recently published Study entitled “Replacement of Polymeric PFAS in Industrial Applications with Harsh Environments” illustrates the current indispensability of fluoropolymers in the sealing industry in particular. The substances are used in numerous areas of application, including compressors, motors, gearboxes, drive systems, hydraulics and the food and beverage industry.
Fluoropolymers are often the material of choice when the sealing material has to meet several requirements: for example, high resistance to high temperatures and compatibility with lubricants, or meeting the requirements for a food contact material, high resistance to aggressive cleaning processes and a low tendency to absorb and transfer aromas. However, fluoropolymers are also expensive materials that are generally only used when their performance cannot be achieved by other, cheaper polymers.
The authors of the study conclude that a complete replacement of PFAS in the sealing industry is currently not possible without significant losses in material properties, performance and product life. In view of the diversity of over 10,000 different PFAS compounds, they call for a differentiated, fact-based discussion on the regulation of this substance class.
Manufacturers are looking for substitutes
Dr. Raimund Jaeger, Head of the Tribology Business Unit at the Fraunhofer IWM, explains: “From our point of view, the life cycle assessment of fluoropolymers considered to be ‘polymers of low concern’ is a plausible method for arriving at a realistic assessment of the potential risk to humans and the environment.
All stakeholders involved in this study agree that safe production and disposal of polymeric PFAS is essential. As long as care is taken to avoid harmful environmental impacts, the use of fluoropolymers in industry should continue to be possible.”
A binding timetable for the introduction of a European regulation is still pending. Nevertheless, the industry is already preparing for possible changes. Despite the current indispensability of fluoropolymers, many seal manufacturers are working to find substitutes.
