The automotive industry is an important downstream user of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), including fluoropolymers, fluorinated gases, and short-chain PFAS. Fluoropolymers are used for several key technical components in the twin digital and green transition, including semiconductors and batteries.
in CLEPA, 04-10-2023
The Per- and polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) restriction proposal drafted by five European countries and presented to the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) in January 2023 is an important pillar of the EU’s Chemicals Strategy. CLEPA and 14 other signatories, representing the key sectors in the achievement of the EU’s strategic autonomy, have published a joint statement where they acknowledge the rationale of the proposal to restrict and further regulate PFAS and support the ECHA in such efforts. However, the restriction proposal fails to recognise that fluoropolymers meet OECD requirements as polymers of low concern.
With the proper legislative framework in place to address fluoropolymers’ lifecycle emissions, the European Commission and ECHA should grant an exemption for fluoropolymer production (including relevant raw materials) and its use in industrial applications.
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