Pro-K calls for exemption of polymers from PFAS ban proposed by ECHA.

 

In the future, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are to be banned in the EU. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) launched a public consultation on this proposal on March 22. According to Kunststoffe, the proposed ban would be the first time that an entire group of substances comprising more than 10,000 chemicals has been banned. This would also affect fluoropolymers, as pro-K - the Plastics Semi-finished Products and Consumer Products Industry Association warns. The association points out that fluoropolymers would not only classified as harmless, but are also irreplaceable in numerous industrial, everyday and medical applications, as well as for the success of the Green Deal. In the association's view, the proposed ban would threaten many important value chains in Germany and Europe, as it would also affect numerous fluoropolymer substances that are of enormous importance to the functioning of modern industrial societies. Numerous studies would have proven that fluoropolymers were harmless, inert, non-toxic and do not deposit in the environment, the association stresses. Regardless, ECHA had included the high-performance plastics in its proposal to restrict the use of PFASs. The consultation, which has since been launched, now provided an opportunity to reiterate the safety and indispensability of these substances, is said.

 

Sources:

• kunststoffe.de (March 23, 2023)
• recyclingportal.eu (March 24, 2023)
• Photo: © pro-K