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Fluoropolymers are part of the broad PFAS category. However, they are fundamentally different from other substances like PFOA and PFOS, which have raised environmental and safety concerns. Unlike these, fluoropolymers do not degrade into harmful byproducts and are chemically stable.

Terms such as ‘PFAS’ or ‘fluorinated substances’ are very broad terms to group a family of over 4,700 chemicals, a definition based on their chemical structure and not their properties. Within such a large group, the chemicals have significantly varying properties and hazard profiles.

Fluoropolymers have a specific set of physicochemical properties that set them apart from other PFAS, which also ensures they do not break down into harmful chemicals.

• Durable, stable and mechanically strong in harsh conditions in a variety of sectors;
• Stable in air, water, sunlight, chemicals and in a microbial environment;
• Chemically inert meeting the requirements for low levels of contaminants and particulates in manufacturing environments;
• Biocompatible;
• Non-wetting, non-stick and highly resistant to temperature, fire and weather.

The misleading terms “forever chemicals” and “persistent chemicals” relate to substances which once released into the environment, remain there for extremely long periods of time. However, persistence is not a hazard, and persistency does not equate to toxicity, bioaccumulation or mobility within the environment or human body.

Fluoropolymers do not break down into potentially harmful chemicals once released into the environment and remain stable in their applications, ensuring safety and reliability.

As with any industry, improper processing and handling of a chemical may lead to emissions into the environment. However, as an industry with responsible manufacturing at its core, the members of the Fluoropolymers Product Group ensure rigorous applications of existing environmental regulations and strict adherence to the Best Available Techniques (BATs) for the industry. Fluoropolymers reaching the end of their lifespan can also be safely treated and disposed of, without any significant impact on the environment.

If present in the environment, fluoropolymers do not break down into harmful chemicals such as PFOA, are insoluble in water and have been proven to be non-toxic. Thus making the threat of accidental emissions spreading limited.

The FPG Manufacturing Programme is a voluntary industry initiative launched by the FPG. It sets world-leading standards for the responsible production of fluoropolymers. More information here: FPG Statement on the Manufacturing Programme 2025 – Plastics Europe. 

The Safe Handling Guide is primarily designed to support safe handling and industrial use of fluoropolymer materials within Europe and associated regions (including the EU, UK, Norway, Turkey, and Switzerland). However, its technical content and safety recommendations are globally relevant.

The Guide is structured into two main parts, each serving a distinct purpose in promoting safe and responsible use of fluoropolymers. Part 1, published in September 2025, covers the Safe Handling of Fluoropolymer Resins. Part 2 will be published in 2026 and covers fluoroelastomers and other speciality fluoropolymer substances.  

Fluoropolymer resins are inert and non-hazardous under normal conditions. They do not pose risks during storage or handling at room temperature.

Yes. PTFE and melt-processible fluoropolymers can be recycled through mechanical, thermal, or chemical methods.

At present, there are no known alternatives for fluoropolymers in many applications, including computer chips and certain medical devices. The longevity of devices such as phones and laptops is attributable to the unique properties of fluoropolymers. In the medical field, they eliminate the need for risky bypass surgeries in patients with blocked arteries. Regarding safety in such areas as transport, aerospace and manufacturing, fluoropolymers offer irreplaceable chemical resistance and thermal stability, making them critical for use in O-rings, seals, and gaskets. In brief, their criticality, biocompatibility, combined with responsible manufacturing, strongly support exempting fluoropolymers from the REACH PFAS regulation.