A full exemption for fluoropolymers is necessary
FPG calls for a full exemption for fluoropolymer manufacture and use from the proposed PFAS restriction under REACH. A risk-based, differentiated approach is needed to reflect the specific properties, uses and lifecycle of fluoropolymers.
Fluoropolymers are essential materials for Europe’s clean and digital transitions, as well as for strategic sectors such as semiconductors, clean energy, medical technologies, transport, defence and advanced manufacturing.
In many of these applications, no technically viable alternatives are currently available. A blanket restriction would therefore create major uncertainty for European industry, weaken strategic value chains and risk undermining innovation and competitiveness.
A full exemption would protect access to critical materials while allowing emissions and lifecycle risks to be addressed through targeted, proportionate risk-management measures.
Industrial Emissions Directive (IED)
The established framework of the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) provides a mechanism for managing risks associated with emissions. The IED sets permitting conditions and emission limit values based on Best Available Techniques (BAT/BREF), which provides certainty for manufacturers to align their voluntary emission reduction efforts with official EU standards.
Key Findings
Fluoropolymers are different from other PFAS
Fluoropolymers are high molecular weight polymers with properties that distinguish them from many other PFAS substances. They are stable, durable, and not mobile as small-molecule PFAS of concern. Their risks should therefore be assessed separately and based on their actual use and lifecycle.
Essential uses must remain available in Europe
Fluoropolymers enable critical technologies and industrial processes where performance failure is not an option. They are used in applications requiring chemical resistance, thermal stability, purity, durability, and reliability. Restricting access to them would affect sectors that are central to Europe’s competitiveness, resilience, and strategic autonomy.
Emissions can be addressed through targeted risk management
The main concerns linked to fluoropolymers relate to emissions from manufacturing and end-of-life, not the use of finished fluoropolymer materials. These emissions can be managed through existing measures. FPG’s voluntary Manufacturing Programme already demonstrates that industry can reduce emissions while maintaining access to essential materials.
A proportionate solution
FPG supports a risk-based and differentiated regulatory approach. Instead of a blanket restriction, regulation should focus on managing emissions and ensuring responsible manufacturing, safe handling and effective end-of-life treatment.
A full exemption for fluoropolymers, combined with robust emission reduction commitments and existing EU regulatory tools such as the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED), would protect human health and the environment while preserving access to materials that Europe needs.
A broad, ‘one-size-fits-all’ restriction lacks proportionality and would further damage to business confidence across Europe.
Our position is supported by independent studies and concrete industry action.
Assessment of Alternatives
Confirms that fluoropolymers cannot currently be replaced in many critical applications without compromising performance, safety or feasibility. See more
Socio-Economic Analysis
Shows the importance of fluoropolymers for European value chains, jobs, competitiveness and strategic autonomy. See more
Manufacturing Programme
Demonstrates that emissions can be reduced through targeted, verifiable commitments. All participating companies met the first emissions targets at the end of 2024, with more stringent targets set for 2030. See more
End-of-Life Study
Shows that fluoropolymers represent a very small share of total waste and can be effectively managed within existing waste treatment systems. See more