Fraunhofer IWM Explores the Impact of a Potential PFAS ban with Freudenberg
The family of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is facing intense scrutiny. A reporting rule will take effect in the United States in 2026, while Europe has actually been considering a sweeping, cross-industry ban on these substances since early last year. The implications of such a ban on fluoropolymers would be particularly critical, as a discontinuation of these high-performance materials would drastically impact many industries. But what kinds of challenges would emerge in the search for adequate substitutes? This was the focus of a recent study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials (IWM) in cooperation with materials experts from the Freudenberg Group.
Starting in January 2026, U.S. companies that have manufactured PFAS in the U.S. or imported PFAS, or semi-finished or finished products containing PFAS between 2011 and 2022 will be subject to a reporting rule. Individual states are also starting to restrict the use of PFAS or require reporting. The scope and schedules vary significantly from state to state.
On February 7, 2023, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published a proposal for a comprehensive PFAS ban. The affected companies and organizations were given the opportunity to submit feedback on the potential scientific and socio-economic impacts of such legislation by the end of September 2023. More than 4,400 stakeholders provided over 5,600 comments and additional information. Freudenberg Sealing Technologies also contributed to this consultation. “We support the goals of the European Green Deal and the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, but are calling for a differentiated, risk-based approach to chemical regulation than is planned for PFAS,” says Dr. Ruth Bieringer, vice president of technology and innovation, summarizing the position of the company.
Material of choice – but expensive
The newly published study by Fraunhofer IWM, titled “Replacement of Polymeric PFAS in Industrial Applications with Harsh Environments,” underscores that fluoropolymers in particular have become indispensable, especially in the sealing industry. The substances are used in numerous applications, including compressors, motors, transmissions, drive systems, as well as in hydraulics and the food and beverage industry. Fluoropolymers are often the “material of choice” when seals must meet multiple requirements – such as excellent high-temperature resistance, lubricant compatibility, or complying with stringent standards for material with food contact. Other examples include high resistance to aggressive cleaning processes and minimal absorption and transfer of aromas. But fluoropolymers are also costly materials, which are generally reserved for applications where their performance exceeds that of more economical polymers.
The authors of the study conclude that a full replacement of PFAS in the sealing industry is currently unfeasible without facing significant losses in material properties, performance, and product longevity. Given the diversity of over 10,000 PFAS compounds, they advocate for a differentiated and fact-based discussion on regulating this class of substances.
