PFAS stands for "per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances". It is a group of chemical compounds used in many products such as Teflon pans, water-repellent textiles, packaging, fire-fighting foam and cleaning agents due to their water-, grease- and dirt-repellent properties.
Some PFAS are also used as components of lubricants. Lubricants containing just such structural elements of carbon and fluorine have a special lubricity and resistance to high temperatures and chemicals and are not one-to-one substitutable.
The planned PFAS ban - background and process
The considerations of the ECHA (European Chemical Agency) to include PFAS in the list of SVHC substances is justified by the potential hazards for health and the environment, especially due to their persistence and bioaccumulation. This makes sense in principle - because we at TUNAP also work according to the guiding principle "best in the world - best for the world" and are constantly working on making aerosols, lubricants and cleaners even more environmentally compatible.
However, the current considerations of ECHAS are opposed by the requirements of the industry, which to date have absolutely required the use of PFAS in certain applications in order to ensure the functionality of the lubricants.
In 2020, ECHA proposed to restrict or ban certain PFAS. An official list of the substances concerned has been available since March 22, 2023. For this purpose, ECHA has launched public consultations on a possible ban of PFAS in the EU. Anyone with information on PFAS or who would be affected by a possible ban has until September 25, 2023 to comment.
As a member of the German Lubricant Industry Association (Verband Schmierstoff-Industrie e.V.), TUNAP is naturally involved in these consultations and has voiced our concerns regarding the current lack of alternatives.
After the deadline, the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) will review the available information and form an opinion. The decision on a possible ban and possible exemptions for certain applications will finally be taken by the European Commission together with the EU member states.
PFAS ban - transition periods planned
In the event of a ban, transition periods of 18 months to 12 years are in the cards. For lubricants, rather generous transition periods of 5 to 12 years can be expected. This gives manufacturers and users the opportunity to continue working on alternatives that can replace PFAS substances.
Health and environmental sustainability - always at the heart of our work at TUNAP.
Regardless of the ECHA's decision, health and the environment have been at the heart of all activities at TUNAP ever since it was founded 50 years ago. For example, we have been actively promoting microplastic- and fluorine-free alternative systems for many years: In our laboratories in Wolfratshausen, we work tirelessly on the development and research of such systems in close cooperation with industry, university science and research.
As things stand today, however, there are certain lubricant applications in which it is not yet technically possible to dispense with PFAS.
That is why we at TUNAP are committed on a daily basis to developing sustainable solutions that enable the long-term elimination of PFAS.
Thus, with the help of our advanced tribological testing methods, we develop customized solutions that are precisely tailored to the development requirements of our customers.
We would be very happy to provide you with application-specific advice and development, so that we can work together with you on further developments of the lubricants you currently use or require.
Let's talk about how we can take the next step together toward better health and environmental protection.