PFAS INFORMATON HUB
PFAS in Sealing: What's at Stake
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) cover a wide group of synthetic chemicals. Among them are fluoropolymers, which are used in sealing systems where reliability and safety are non-negotiable. Materials like PTFE and FKM enable seals that can withstand high temperatures, chemicals, and pressure without degradation or leakage.
These seals are essential in industries such as aerospace, chemical processing, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, energy, marine, and food production. For many of these applications, no technically viable alternatives exist.
A loss of access to fluoropolymers would have consequences for both performance and environmental protection, especially where emissions control and system integrity depend on long-term sealing reliability.
The Case for Fluoropolymers
Fluoropolymers aren’t general-purpose plastics, they are engineered materials that serve critical sealing functions in the most demanding applications and environments. They ensure long operating life, prevent leaks of hazardous substances, and maintain system safety across high-value industrial assets.
ESA's Position on the PFAS Restriction
ESA supports the regulation of harmful substances, but not a one-size-fits-all ban. Fluoropolymers are non-toxic, non-mobile, and not bioavailable, and they meet OECD criteria for Polymers of Low Concern. ESA is urging regulators to apply a risk-based approach that recognises this difference and protects the essential technologies that depend on these materials.
PFAS TENTATIVE RESTRICTION TIMELINE
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Five European states call for evidence on broad PFAS restriction. (May 2020)
2020-05-01
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ESA Position Statement published. (March 2022)
2022-03-01
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6-months Public Consultation by ECHA Committees. (March-September 2023)
2023-03-01
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The Socio-Economic Analysis (SEA) report produced by the Ricardo Group for the ESA was uploaded to the ECHA public consultation platform. (September 2023)
2023-09-01
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Public consultation period yielded 5,600+ comments. (September 2023)
2023-07-04
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ECHA recognizes sealing applications as part of the PFAS restriction process. (November 2024)
2024-11-01
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ECHA’s committees (RAC/SEAC) continue to evaluate PFAS restrictions sector by sector. (2024-2025)
2025-01-01
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60-day consultation on SEAC Draft Opinion.
2026-01-01
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Opinion of ECHA and transmission to Commission.
2027-01-01
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Commission proposal to REACH Committee.
2028-01-01
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Comission transmits final proposal to European Parliament for scrutiny.
2029-01-01
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Entry into force.
2030-01-01
REGULATORY DOCUMENTS & INDUSTRY POSITIONS
Resources and reference materials shaping the PFAS regulatory landscape.
A Proposal for a Restriction on PFAS by ECHA
The original REACH Annex XV restriction proposal, covering over 10,000 PFAS substances, including fluoropolymers.
DownloadSEA Report by Ricardo for the ESA
Socio-economic analysis of the impact of a PFAS restriction on the sealing industry and wider economy.
DownloadESA Position Statement on PFAS Regulation
ESA’s formal position on the proposed PFAS restriction. It argues for a risk-based approach and the exemption of non-toxic, high-performance fluoropolymers.
DownloadEuropump Position on the Restriction of PFAS
Europump (European Association for Pump Manufacturers) warns that a broad PFAS ban would threaten essential applications where no alternatives exist.
DownloadLegal Observations on the PFAS Restriction - Gujarat Fluorochemicals
This legal opinion argues that including fluoropolymers in the PFAS restriction breaches REACH principles, lacking a valid risk assessment or scientific basis.
DownloadACEA Comments on the PFAS Restriction Proposal
The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association warns that the proposed PFAS ban lacks feasibility for the automotive sector and calls for exemptions for fluoropolymers.
DownloadJoint Letter on the Importance of Fluoropolymers - Hydrogen Europe
Joint statement on the importance of fluoropolymers for the clean energy transition, signed by 15 organisations (including ESA).
DownloadEU's Response to Hydrogen Europe
The Commission acknowledges PFAS are needed in critical technologies and confirms that REACH allows derogations based on risk, availability of alternatives, and socio-economic impacts.
DownloadFPP4EU: 6-Point Plan Towards a Workable PFAS Restriction
FPP4EU outlines six key elements needed to ensure practical and enforceable implementation of the REACH Restriction. The plan addresses concerns over the broad scope of the proposal and its potential impact across multiple sectors.
DownloadVDMA Position Paper on the PFAS Restriction
Position paper from VDMA outlines their response to the proposed REACH restriction on PFAS, including background context, industry impacts, and regulatory considerations.
DownloadSummary of the Update on the U-PFAS Restriction Proposal by Dr. Frauke Averbeck, BAuA
This document provides a summary of updates from BAuA and ECHA on the U-PFAS restriction proposal.
DownloadFPG Fluoropolymers Downstream User Meeting
A summary of the February 2025 stakeholder meeting hosted by the Fluoropolymers Product Group (FPG), discussing regulatory developments and the industry's response to the proposed PFAS restriction.
DownloadPFAS – Potential Impacts to the Sealing Industry - John Crane
A presentation on PFAS and their potential impacts to the Sealing Industry from the API SOME meeting in Dallas, November 2024.
DownloadUPDATES, NEWS, CASE STUDIES
Ongoing developments, public discussions, and real-world impacts.
Related organisations:
- FPP4EU
- IMechE
- VDMI
- UK Parliament: Addressing the risks from Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
- Use of Fluoroelastomers Sealing Elements in Gas Turbine Engines – ESA
- Use of Fluoroelastomer Sealing Elements in the Semiconductor Chip Manufacturing Process – ESA
- Use of Fluoroplastic Sealing Elements in Chemical Production and Transport – ESA
- Use of Fluoroelastomer Sealing Elements in the Marine Propulsion – ESA
- Use of Fluoropolymer Sealing Elements in the Oil and Gas Industry – ESA
- Use of Fluoropolymer Sealing Elements in Valves Classified as “Important to Nuclear Safety" - SIEM (ESA Member)
- Material Selection Criteria for Elastomeric Rotary Propeller Seals for Marine Application - J.W.M Noordermeer, M A. Masen
Webinars from James Walker (ESA Member):
What Industry Voices Are Saying
"At the moment, there are no other chemicals with the same technical properties that we can use instead of the fluoropolymers."
"At the moment, there are no other chemicals with the same technical properties that we can use instead of the fluoropolymers."
"At the moment, there are no other chemicals with the same technical properties that we can use instead of the fluoropolymers."
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