European Fluoropolymer Manufacturers make significant steps towards ambitious emissions reduction target
Brussels, 26 March 2025
The members of the Fluoropolymer Product Group (FPG) Manufacturing Programme for European Manufacturing Sites today announce an important milestone in the European industry’s effort to minimise emissions to water and air of non-polymeric PFAS residues from polymerisation aid technology that is used in the fluoropolymer manufacturing process. Sustainable manufacturing, emphasizing strict emissions control and end-of-life management, is crucial to the members of the programme, and this specific step reinforces the industry’s commitment to producing fluoropolymers responsibly, using the state-of-the-art technologies.
Within the framework of the industry’s voluntary Manufacturing Programme, members − AGC Chemicals Europe, Ltd., Arkema, Chemours Netherlands B.V, Daikin Chemical Europe, Syensqo SA and W. L. Gore & Associates − have successfully met the first reduction target for non-polymeric PFAS residues from polymerisation aid technology. Specifically, members of the Programme have:
- For Air, achieved a reduction of these emissions in their 2024 annual average emission factors below their target of 0.009%;
- For Water, while not all European fluoropolymers manufacturers have met the 2024 annual average emission factor for the emissions target of 0.001%, they all met that ambitious target at the end of 2024, therefore guaranteeing these emissions below 0.001% for 2025.
This is in line with the Manufacturing Programme for European manufacturing sites agreed by the above-mentioned European fluoropolymers manufacturers in September 2023.
Overview of the Manufacturing Programme
The programme comprises three pillars, more specifically:
- An industry-led commitment to achieve average emissions factors for non-polymeric PFAS residues from polymerisation aid technology that is used in the fluoropolymer manufacturing process:
- By end 2024: 0.009% to air; 0.001% to water.
- By end 2030: 0.003% to air; 0.0006% to water.
- A platform to exchange information on commercially available state-of-the-art technologies to minimize non-polymeric PFAS emissions in manufacturing; and,
- A commitment to inform downstream users of fluoropolymers on their safe handling and use in the Guide for the Safe Handling of Fluoropolymer Resins.
“We are proud to announce that all members of the Manufacturing Programme have successfully met their emissions reduction targets for non-polymeric PFAS at the end of 2024.
This achievement is a testament to the industry’s commitment to responsible manufacturing practices and our dedication to minimizing environmental impacts. The programme’s success demonstrates that European fluoropolymer manufacturers are leading the way in sustainable production, ensuring that these critical materials continue to support strategic technologies while protecting the environment. We look forward to continuing this important work and achieving our ambitious targets for 2030.”
Ronald Bock, FPG Chairman
The way forward
The European manufacturers are now working hard to also successfully implement the other pillars of the programme. Work on the exchange platform on state-of-the-art technologies is progressing well. The Guide for the Safe Handling of Fluoropolymer Resins will be made available later this year.
Looking ahead, an update will be published in 2026, setting out the progress made in 2025 across all the different pillars of the Manufacturing Programme as we strive towards our 2030 commitment.
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Contact:
Caroline Andersson, Director Fluoropolymers Product Group, caroline.andersson@plasticseurope.org
About FPG:
The Fluoropolymers Product Group (FPG) is part of Plastics Europe, the industry association representing European polymer producers. It operates in accordance with the Plastics Europe governance, including Competition Compliance Rules. Plastics Europe covers the EU, plus the UK, Norway, Turkey and Switzerland.
About Fluoropolymers:
Fluoropolymers are advanced materials that provide unmatched durability, chemical and thermal resistance, and stability in extreme environments. Their unique set of properties makes them essential in many industries, from healthcare and renewable energy to transportation, aerospace and semiconductors.