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The well-known family of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) is receiving more and more attention these days. A case to point is the proposal to phase out all PFASs in Europe.
Earlier in February 2023, an ambitious plan to restrict or even ban all PFASs was unveiled by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). This universal restriction proposal calls for the phase-out of around 10,000 PFASs used in a wide array of applications.
During the consultation, many industrial stakeholders have voiced objections against the inclusion of fluoropolymers in the ban. Fluropolymers are considered indispensable materials for a variety of technologies due to their unique properties such as high thermal stability, chemical resistance, low friction, non-stickiness, and electrical insulation.
Pros outweigh cons?
The reasoning behind the ban of fluoropolymers is based on their environmental persistence. However, many companies argue that fluoropolymers should be differentiated from other PFASs since their low bioaccumulative potential, low toxicity, and low environmental mobility make them less harmful. Treating them with the same restriction intensity as other toxic PFASs would be unwitting and disproportional.
According to YAMADA Corporation, fluoropolymers are urgently needed because of their material properties (long-term stability, resistance to abrasive media, inert surfaces, ...) that are proven to be beneficial along the value chain. For example, fluoropolymers like PTFE and PFA have been used to transfer liquid which is strong acidic and strong alkaline. Their chemical stability allows them to be resistant to some of the most corrosive substances and as a result protecting works and equipment from harm.
Problematic substitutes
So far, many industrial sectors still heavily rely on fluoropolymers as no suitable alternatives exist. The dossier offers derogations for limited uses of fluoropolyemers (foot contact materials, implantable medical devices, tubes and catheters in medical devices, etc.), but for the majority of uses, there is only a 18-month transitional period. “This is simply not sufficient enough for the conversion of entire production process”, as reflected by an anonymous individual, “especially because it could be also possible that the existing tools cannot be used with the alternative materials for the manufacture of the products and a new construction will become necessary.” This is especially true in areas that require resistant to high temperature and chemical inertia, such as sealing, gaskets, particularly inside or near the combustion engine or in semiconductor manufacturing.
If the final decision is made to prohibit fluoropolymers, industries will be looking at years of research and development for a suitable alternative. Once a suitable alternative is available, it will also take several years to validate and use it in the products.
Repercussion
The irreplaceable solution enabled by the fluoropolymers, together with the difficulties of PFAS-free transition meant the ban is bound to take a toll on the industries once it takes effect. “If the draft regulatory text as proposed become final, we would not be able to place trucks, buses, construction equipment and industrial power trains on the European market from 2026/2027”, stressed the Volvo Group.
What's worse, for small companies whose entire production line rely on a single polymeric PFAS, the endless cost of developing alternatives would be devastating and could lead to job losses. The ban will even disrupt the EU-lead key initiative like Green Deal, since the shortage of supply of these high-performance materials would inevitably force delays in implementing technologies to achieve Green Deal objectives.
Way forward
Undoubtedly, the prohibition of such a broad range of material usage would be in disservice to all in practice. With industries unanimously urging the exemption of fluoropolymers, the official should really reevaluate the social-economic impact of current approach in favour of a more scientific and proportional one.
ChemLinked reminds companies whose products affected by the PFAS proposal to submit your cases with substantiated information before September 25, 2023.
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