EU Nations Push for PFAS Restriction, but Fluoropolymers' Role in Green Transition Unacknowledged
Five European nations, backed by various industries, have proposed a restriction on PFAS chemicals to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The proposal, a key part of the EU's Chemicals Strategy, aims to regulate PFAS, including fluoropolymers. However, the current draft does not acknowledge that fluoropolymers meet OECD's low concern requirements.
The PFAS restriction proposal, submitted in January 2023, seeks to address the environmental and health impacts of these chemicals. It has received support from a broad range of sectors, including chemicals, plastics, recycling, and waste management industries. These sectors have pledged their backing to ECHA's efforts to regulate PFAS.
Fluoropolymers, a type of PFAS, play a crucial role in key components of semiconductors and batteries. They support the EU's digital and green transitions. Despite this, the restriction proposal does not currently recognize their status as polymers of low concern, as defined by the OECD.
The European Commission and ECHA are urged to grant an exemption for fluoropolymer production and use in industrial applications. This is due to their importance in the digital and green transitions, and the proper legislative framework in place to address lifecycle emissions. The proposal aims to achieve EU strategic autonomy in PFAS regulation, with support from various sectors.
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