UK compounder ‘strongly opposes’ fluoropolymers’ inclusion in PFAS ban

Wrexham, UK – Clwyd Compounders has joined those challenging the basis of a proposed blanket ban* on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across the EU.

In a 20 June statement, the UK rubber compounder voiced ‘full support’ for a ban on short-chain PFAS that pose toxicological and/or environmental risks.

However, Clwyd Compounders went on to say, “we also strongly oppose the inclusion of fluoropolymers in the proposed ban.”

Fluoropolymers, it argues, are being targeted "due to structural definition alone" and have "nothing in common" with the risks associated with PFAS of concern.

Indeed, Clwyd Compounders said 96% of the global fluoropolymer market meets the criteria to be considered polymers of low concern – as defined by the OECD.

To ban fluoropolymers on the basis of persistency alone was inappropriate and would “leave multiple critical industries with no suitable alternative materials,” it added.

The Welsh-based company went on to say that it is currently focusing on providing customers with FKM/FFKM compounds free of residual fluoro surfactant PFAS.

*The European Chemical Agency (ECHA), on 22 March, launched a six-month consultation process to a proposal to restrict the use fluorinated chemicals in the EU, prepared by authorities in Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands, Norway and Sweden.