Manufacturing covers the production of fluoropolymers and the measures used to prevent, control, and reduce emissions from manufacturing processes.
FPG Manufacturing Programme — Programme Overview
Since the adoption of the manufacturing principles in 2021, member companies have taken concrete action to advance responsible and sustainable fluoropolymer production.
The FPG Manufacturing Programme is a voluntary, industry-led initiative launched in September 2023 by six fluoropolymer manufacturers with production sites in Europe. It was established to address legitimate questions and concerns about emissions of non-polymeric PFAS residues arising from the fluoropolymer manufacturing process, specifically from the polymerisation aid technology used in production.
The programme sets benchmarks for responsible fluoropolymer manufacturing in Europe. Its core objective is to ensure that fluoropolymers are produced with the lowest possible emissions, using state-of-the-art commercially available technologies, while equipping the full value chain with the knowledge needed to handle these materials safely.
The Manufacturing Programme 1.0 is built around three pillars: Emissions Reduction, the Technology Exchange Platform, and Safe Handling.
Advancing Responsible Fluoropolymer Manufacturing
Building on the progress achieved under the programme, the Fluoropolymer Manufacturing Programme 2.0 (MP 2.0) expands industry efforts to further reduce and manage non-polymeric PFAS emissions across fluoropolymer manufacturing sites in Europe.
A key innovation of MP 2.0 is the introduction of comprehensive emission metrics covering the entire manufacturing process—from the production of precursors and monomers to finished fluoropolymer, fluoroelastomer and PFPE products. This broader approach will provide a more complete picture of emissions across integrated production processes and help support evidence-based policymaking.
By increasing transparency and strengthening emissions management, MP 2.0 will contribute to key EU policy initiatives, including the PFAS restriction process and the potential development of a fluoropolymer-specific BREF under the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED).
This broader approach will provide a more complete picture of non-polymeric PFAS emissions across integrated production processes and help support evidence-based policymaking.
Work is also underway on the “Manufacturing Programme 2.0”, which will set out the next phase of the industry's commitments. Further details will be published here when available.
Manufacturing Programme 1.0 Pillars
Emission Reduction
This pillar sets clear, time-bound targets to reduce emissions of non-polymeric PFAS residues linked to polymerisation aid technologies used in fluoropolymer manufacturing.
The targets apply across participating European manufacturing sites and cover emissions to both air and water. By the end of 2024, participating companies committed to reduce emissions to:
At the end of 2024, all six participating companies met the first set of targets and are continuing building on this progress as it works towards the more stringent 2030 targets.
Establish and publish, by latest end of 2026, common emission factor targets covering the full manufacturing process with a commitment to continuous improvement beyond this date. Aggregated results will be published annually to ensure transparency.
Technology Exchange Platform (TEP)
The Technology Exchange Platform provides a structured framework for the participating companies to share knowledge on commercially available state-of-the-art technologies for minimising non-polymeric PFAS emissions from fluoropolymer manufacturing, while respecting the confidentiality requirements of each participating company.
Rather than treating emissions control as a competitive matter, the platform operates on the principle that shared progress across all sites raises the standard for the industry as a whole. The platform facilitates the exchange of information on the best available techniques for emissions control, accelerating the adoption of proven solutions across the consortium.
Safe Handling
The Safe Handling pillar supports downstream users in the safe handling, processing and waste management of fluoropolymer materials across the value chain.
This pillar is delivered through the FPG Guide for the Safe Handling of Fluoropolymer Resins.
Fluoropolymer resins are inert and non-hazardous under normal storage and handling conditions at room temperature. However, as with many industrial materials, specific precautions are needed when fluoropolymers are processed at high temperatures.
This is particularly important when materials contain pigments or additives, as high-temperature processing may release hazardous emissions or decomposition products if not properly controlled. The Safe Handling Guide explains these precautions in detail.
The Guide is primarily designed for use in Europe. However, its technical content and safety recommendations are globally relevant.
In October 2025, FPG hosted a webinar titled 'Safe Handling of Fluoropolymers: Best Practices for Workplace Safety and Emissions Control' to support the guide's dissemination across the value chain. The presentation is available in the Resource Hub
The Participating Companies
The Manufacturing Programme is a commitment made by six companies with fluoropolymer manufacturing sites in Europe:
