Fluoropolymers Lifecycle

1. Manufacturing

Manufacturing covers the production of fluoropolymers. The main emissions concerns linked to fluoropolymer production relate to non-polymeric PFAS residues from manufacturing processes, not to the finished fluoropolymer materials themselves.

FPG’s Manufacturing Programme is a voluntary industry initiative built around three pillars: emissions reduction, technology exchange and safe handling. At the end of 2024, all six participating companies met the programme’s first emissions targets, with even more stringent targets in place for 2030.

2. Use / Applications

Fluoropolymers are used in critical applications where durability, chemical resistance, thermal stability, purity and reliability are essential. They enable technologies and industrial processes across strategic sectors such as semiconductors, clean energy, medical technologies, transport, aerospace, defence, water treatment, and advanced manufacturing.

Fluoropolymers cannot currently be replaced in many critical applications without compromising performance, safety, or feasibility. Restricting access would affect downstream value chains. FPG supports safe use across the value chain through its Safe Handling Guide.

3. End of Life

End-of-life covers what happens when fluoropolymer-containing products reach the end of their long service life, including incineration and recycling. Fluoropolymers represent less than 0.01% of total EU waste by mass and are managed effectively within existing systems.

Under regulated conditions, hazardous waste incineration achieves a destruction efficiency of more than 99.9999% for fluoropolymer materials.