FPG Calls for Clarity on Fluoropolymers
Brussels, 10 July 2025
Download Full Position Paper on the uPFAS Restriction
Strategic Value of Fluoropolymers
The Chemicals Industry Action Plan (CIAP), published on 8 July 2025, outlines the European Commission’s vision for addressing the challenges confronting one of the continent’s most vital economic sectors. The Fluoropolymers Product Group (FPG) notes that PFAS is a core element of the plan.
As the Commission recognises the need for continued use for critical applications and strategic sectors, in which fluoropolymers play an essential role, we believe that the way to efficiently support all sectors is a fully risk-based, differentiated regulatory approach.
As advanced materials, fluoropolymers are indispensable to modern life, as recognised by the CIAP. From semiconductors and defence to medical devices, industrial plants and renewable energy – fluoropolymers enable Europe’s digital and ecological transitions, strengthening its economy and reinforcing its strategic autonomy. They cannot be substituted without compromising safety and performance.
PFAS Restriction: FPG’s call to action
The PFAS restriction dossier is broad and complex, covering thousands of substances across diverse applications. This still generates profound uncertainty for industries, innovators, and investors.
FPG calls on the European Commission to apply a risk-based, differentiated approach. Fluoropolymers, which are a distinct class of PFAS and do not pose an “unacceptable risk” to the environment and human health (REACH, Article 68). Regulatory concerns predominantly relate to emissions during manufacturing and end-of-life stages. Therefore, continued use of fluoropolymers in all applications should be allowed under conditions aimed at minimising emissions throughout the whole life cycle, as alternatives with the same performance and safety do not exist.
FPG stands ready to contribute its expertise as the collective voice of the EU’s leading fluoropolymer manufacturers to continue engaging constructively with regulators and stakeholders to ensure that fluoropolymer use remains safe, sustainable, and aligned with European priorities.
A Responsible Industry
FPG and its members are committed to the safe use and sustainable manufacturing of fluoropolymers, as well as to responsible end-of-life solutions.
Strongly committed to emissions control, FPG members are taking concrete action. In September 2023, they launched a voluntary emissions reduction programme, under which the members that have production sites in the EU and in the UK successfully met the agreed milestones by early 2024. We continue to build on this success with determination.
In addition, we recently completed an update to our Guide for the Safe Handling of Fluoropolymers, designed to support downstream users in implementing best practices for emissions control.
In our position paper on the uPFAS restriction, we provide solutions to address regulatory concerns: