On February 7, 2023, the European Union commenced deliberations on a proposal to prohibit the widespread use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), often referred to as “forever chemicals,” which could have significant implications for supply chains across multiple industries. Helsinki time, February 7, 2023, ECHA announced that Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden jointly submitted a REACH regulation restriction proposal to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) regarding PFASs. The substances included in this restriction proposal represent the largest number of PFASs substances ever proposed for restriction.
The proposed restriction will undergo rigorous assessment and review in accordance with regulations. The Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) and the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEC) of ECHA will review the proposal’s compliance with EU REACH regulations at their March 2023 meetings. If approved, the proposal will proceed to a regulatory review under EU REACH regulations, and a six-month public consultation period will commence on March 22, 2023. Upon receiving the review opinions from RAC and SEC, the decision will be submitted to the European Commission for a final determination on whether to adopt the restriction proposal. Once the restriction is enacted, it is expected to have a significant impact on the entire chemical industry and its supply chains.
PFASs Alternatives Hard to Find PFASs, short for per/polyfluoroalkyl substances, are widely used in consumer products due to their unique physicochemical properties, providing features such as stain, water, and grease resistance.
Simply put, due to their high heat resistance and chemical inertness, PFASs are extensively used across industries and consumer goods, often without viable alternatives. Their “forever chemicals” moniker stems from the fact that the carbon-fluorine bonds in PFASs are among the strongest in organic chemistry, making them resistant to degradation and prone to bioaccumulation over time in human bodies and the environment. Some of these substances are associated with prenatal injury, internal organ damage in humans, and pollution of water and wildlife. Currently, several PFAS substances are listed on the Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) candidate list under the EU REACH regulation, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid and its salts and ammonium salts, perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and its salts, and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) and its salts.
PFASs EU Related Controls: In 2009, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and its derivatives were listed under the international Stockholm Convention to gradually phase out the use of PFOS. Consequently, the use of PFOS has been restricted in the EU since 2009. In July 2020, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its derivatives were also regulated under POPs regulations. The regulation prohibits the production, sale, and use of substances, mixtures, or articles containing PFOA and its derivatives, with exemptions for products with PFOA or PFOA-related derivatives content below 0.0000025%. In June 2022, perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) and its derivatives were formally listed on the POPs list, with a global ban expected to take effect by the end of 2023. In addition, perfluorocarboxylic acid substances (C9-14 PFCAs) are under review and may be formally listed on the POPs list in the future.
C6 Water Repellents to Be Removed from Bluesign®: According to Bluesign®: After July 2024, textile products treated with C6 chemicals will only be accepted for so-called necessary applications.
3M Announces Exit from PFAS Production On December 20, 2022, the US industrial conglomerate 3M announced its withdrawal from the production of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and aims to cease the use of PFASs in its product portfolio by the end of 2025.
The current status of fluoro-free water repellents has the greatest impact on the textile industry, particularly in regards to water repellents. In comparison to fluorocarbon water repellents, there is still a significant gap with fluoro-free alternatives. The main types of fluoro-free water repellents currently include acrylate-based, silicone-based, and polyurethane-based. Compared to C6 (C8) water repellents, they lack oil resistance, therefore cannot provide three-proof treatment, and their wash resistance is also inferior. Acrylate-based: Excellent waterproof and wash resistance, low cost, but prone to discoloration, stiff feel, and poor adhesion. Polyurethane-based: Good waterproofing and feel, relatively high cost, large usage, and poor wash resistance. Silicone-based: Good feel, slight discoloration, but relatively poor waterproofing and wash resistance. Some manufacturers use a combination of acrylate and polyurethane water repellents to compensate for their respective shortcomings and improve the cost-effectiveness of fluoro-free water repellents.
Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) Website: https://echa.europa.eu/restrictions-under-consideration/-/substance-rev/72301/term
