Understanding the Proposed ECHA PFAS

PFAS stands for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances and refers to a large class of synthetic chemicals that contain at least one fully fluorinated methyl (CF3-) or methylene (-CF2-) carbon atom (without any attached H/Cl/Br/I).

Due to the powerful chemical bond between carbon and fluorine in PFAS chemicals, these substances resist degradation to an extreme degree. Their persistent characteristics and water solubility make PFAS difficult to contain and dispose of, resulting in high levels of PFAS in soil, surface, ground, and drinking water worldwide. PFAS are sometimes called "forever chemicals," as there is currently no efficient or cost-effective method for removing accumulated PFAS from the environment. Though not the case for all chemicals in this class, some PFAS have been shown to be toxic to human health and the environment.

The ECHA proposal from February 7, 2023, aims to restrict the manufacture and use of PFAS chemicals to slow pollution from these substances and prevent their further accumulation in the environment. A complete list of more than 10,000 substances subject to impending restriction is available on the ECHA website. (MCG, 2025)

PFAS chemicals possess unique material properties that have broad use in consumer products and engineering, enabling critical applications that drive technological advancements.

Fluoropolymers such as PTFE and PVDF are highly resistant to chemical corrosion and high heat, making them suitable for extremely demanding engineering applications involving aggressive chemicals and temperatures. PTFE, in particular, is widely used for its extremely low friction coefficient, making it an outstanding material for bearing and wear applications. (MCG, 2025)

Practical applications of PFAS chemicals include:

• High-performance coatings protect against corrosion and chemical degradation and provide slickness or wear resistance.
• Processing Aids to improve resin flow properties and stability during plastics manufacturing.

Due to fluoropolymers' unique properties, no single plastic with a PFAS-free composition can replace every application. If you are looking to substitute a fluoropolymer material, such as PTFE, we recommend conducting a thorough analysis of your specific application's thermal, chemical, and mechanical requirements.

Additionally, it's important to note that changing the material of a part may often require adjustments to its design as well. At Boedeker Plastics, we offer a broad range of engineering plastic shapes, positioning us uniquely to assist in the transition to alternative material options. Beyond our extensive portfolio of hundreds of materials with diverse performance profiles, our technical services department can help with material selection, design considerations, and processing options.

Some stock shape plastic manufacturers are marketing PFAS-free materials as products manufactured without using any PFAS. This shift is gaining momentum as regulatory pressures increase and public demand for safer, more environmentally friendly options grows. However, as an industry, we can't claim our materials to be PFAS free considering these "forever-chemicals" are everywhere and in everything, down to the smallest molecules.

Therefore, the term "PFAS-free" simply means that no PFAS chemicals were intentionally added to the polymer matrix by the manufacturer, and no specific testing for their presence is typically done.

PFAS restrictions, please visit the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) website.

Fluoropolymers are commonly used in various industrial and commercial products, and this proposal could significantly impact many existing applications by restricting their use. Boedeker Plastics is dedicated to supporting our customers during this transition. We will provide:

• Transparency regarding products containing PFAS
• Tools and documentation to help customers quickly identify whether a product contains PFAS
• Ongoing monitoring of developments related to ECHA and REACH restrictions on PFAS
• Consultation on material selection to assist customers in finding suitable alternative materials

Contact us about replacement materials that offer similar performance characteristics

We are here to help you navigate these changes.