December 2024 Newsletter
Fluoropolymers: Revitalising European manufacturing
Dear Colleagues,
Welcome to the latest newsletter from the Fluoropolymers Product Group. Read on to find out the latest news about and from the fluoropolymers sector.
This issue at a glance:
- Feature article: Revitalising European manufacturing
- Regulatory updates
- Progress update: ECHA to consider alternatives to PFAS ban
- Up next: ECHA to discuss PFAS in fluorinated gases, transport and energy
- FPG advocacy: Forum Europe Sustainable Chemicals Conference
- Upcoming events
At the close of this eventful year, all of us at FPG would like to wish you festive holidays with your loved ones and a Happy New Year! See you again in 2025!
Ronald Bock, Chairman, Fluoropolymers Product Group
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Fluoropolymers: Revitalising European manufacturing
Welcome to the new European Commission! With the approval of the second von der Leyen Commission by the European Parliament, we know who will lead the European Union’s executive branch for the next five years.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has committed to a new plan for Europe’s sustainable prosperity and competitiveness, clearly reflecting the concerns of European citizens and businesses. This commitment includes a promised new Chemicals Industry Package which would simplify and provide clarity on EU chemical rules.
Fluoropolymers will be crucial to achieving sustainable prosperity, not least by revitalising European manufacturing. The unique properties of fluoropolymers — such as stability, durability and non-stick — enable increased efficiency and production yield in manufacturing, while also reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
Fluoropolymers enhance both general manufacturing capabilities and specific sectors where Europe is and must remain a leader, such as renewable energies, aerospace and semiconductors.
Best of all, benefiting from fluoropolymers’ unique advantages need not come at the expense of the environment. With FPG’s Responsible Manufacturing Programme, the European fluoropolymers industry has set the highest industry standards for fluoropolymer manufacturing worldwide.
A sustainable, prosperous and autonomous Europe needs to be at the cutting-edge of manufacturing sectors enabling competitiveness, sustainable energy, and the circular economy. Make no mistake: Europe needs fluoropolymers!
REGULATORY UPDATES
ECHA to consider alternatives to PFAS ban
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published a progress update last month on the PFAS restriction process stating that the agency may consider alternative restrictions to a full PFAS ban
ECHA’s Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) are now considering restriction options other than a ban for specific sectors. Measures could include conditions to be met to allow for the continued manufacture, placing on the market or use of PFAS, possibly until until alternatives are available.
ECHA would consider alternative options in particular for uses and sectors where a ban could lead to “a disproportionate socio-economic impact.” Specific sectors mentioned include batteries, fuel cells and electrolysers, but also medical devices and semiconductors. FPG welcomes this move which is a step towards a balanced approach with fully recognises the socioeconomic importance of fluoropolymers.
The update also indicated that the 2023 public consultation on the PFAS restriction proposal led to the identification of new uses to be assessed. These include some medical applications such as packaging and excipients for pharmaceuticals.
EU Parliament Vice-President Hojsík calls for swift revision of REACH to safeguard industry
ECHA has released summaries of the November RAC and SEAC meetings. These show that the committees have provisionally concluded their evaluation of an EU-wide restriction on PFAS in construction products; textiles, leather, and carpets (TULAC); and food contact materials (FMC) and packaging. Discussions on fluorinated gases, transport and energy are planned for March, with sectors such as lubricants, medical devices, and electronics and semiconductors to follow.
FPG ADVOCACY
Forum Europe Sustainable Chemicals Conference
Downstream users flag fluoropolymers’ key role
in aerospace and medical devices
The role of fluoropolymers in supporting innovation across critical industries was highlighted at the Forum Europe Sustainable Chemicals Conference in Brussels on 19 November.
Downstream users of fluoropolymers, such as Elisa Consoli from Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD) and Martin Leonhard from KARL STORZ, shared real-world examples of their impact.
In the aerospace sector, fluoropolymers are used for their safety and reliability in crucial components in aircraft and military equipment. In the medical field, these advanced materials are indispensable to develop biocompatible, long-lasting medical devices, including instruments and implants, that meet the strictest safety and hygiene standards.
European policymakers at the event emphasised the need for balanced regulation. Upcoming reforms to the EU’s REACH legislation would aim to simplify processes, promote transparency and foster innovation for SMEs. The message from industry was clear: balance is needed to both minimise PFAS emissions and support European prosperity and safety.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Meeting of CARACAL | 18-19 December 2024
- US Fluoropolymers Conference | Fort-Myers, Florida, 3-5 February 2025
- Meeting of RAC | 3-7 March 2025
- Meeting of SEAC | 3-7 and 10-14 March 2025