Page 178 - CW E-Magazine (25-2-2025)

Special Report Special Report

timelines to transition and fi nd new an effective corrosion inhibitor. Its use bans PFAS in its textiles, paper, and companies can position themselves loping alternatives (such as other than waiting for regulation, legal chal-
equivalent alternatives, compared to faced public outrage and legal battles in chemical products (e.g., paints, oils, as leaders in their respective indus- chemical substances, alternative lenges and/or reputational damage, it is
applications such as water-resistant various parts of the world, particularly cleaning agents), but PFAS remains tries, gaining a competitive edge over materials, product redesigns, pro- important to take proactive measures:
clothing, nonstick cookware, fast-food in the US and the Netherlands. Dutch present in its electrical products, where companies that are slower to adapt. cess changes, and new techno- 1. Report – disclose or track internally
wrappers and cosmetics. For example, railway companies encountered severe replacement is more challenging, as  Long-term sustainability: Phasing logies) that match performance can PFAS usage, production volumes,
medical applications are more likely to repercussions from using chromium-6 well as in a variety of nonstick pans. out PFAS and other hazardous be technically challenging. disposal, and potential exposures.
receive derogation for several years if in their train paints. Workers involved substances from production pro- 3. Pacing replacement material and 2. Reduce – minimize PFAS use and
not longer. In contrast, a company using in train maintenance and refurbishment These efforts to replace PFAS with cesses can reduce the environmen- technology developments. The emissions at every stage of produc-
PFAS to produce nonstick cooking pans were exposed to the carcinogen, lead- safer alternatives open up signifi cant tal footprint of a business, leading speed of new, safe alternatives may tion until it can be replaced.
may only get 12 months to change once ing to health concerns similar to those opportunities for collaboration and inno- to a more sustainable and resilient not keep up with regulatory pres- 3. Replace – transition to alternatives
regulations are enacted. linked to PFAS. Railway companies vation. Companies that are able to in- operation in the long term. sures and market demands. considering market availability,
have since ceased using chromium-6 in vest in research and development to 4. Cost considerations. Alternative mate- performance, and toxicity.
In industries like textiles and food their operations but continue to grapple create these alternatives can position Building a business case for PFAS action rials may be more expensive, impact- 4. Remediate – address legacy contami-
packaging, alternatives to PFAS are with litigation, damage claims, and themselves as industry leaders, capable For businesses, the case for acting ing product pricing and viability. nation and end-of-life treatment.
already available, making it likely that ongoing investigations. of capitalizing on a growing demand proactively on PFAS is clear. Companies
these uses will face near-term bans. for environmentally responsible pro- that fail to address PFAS risks may face To help them plan their strategy and When it comes to transitioning
However, determining what constitutes Opportunities to innovate and lead ducts. Moreover, early movers can gain regulatory penalties, legal liabilities, better manage risk, businesses should away from PFAS look for existing
“essential use” is not always straightfor- change a competitive advantage, differentiating and damage to their brand reputation. start by asking themselves fi ve critical technologies, start-up partners, and re-
ward, and its defi nition is evolving. For The regulatory landscape surround- themselves from competitors who are A failure to comply with evolving questions: search teams that may each hold part
example, specialized foams that contain ing PFAS is tightening, and public slow to adopt safer materials. regulations could result in costly fi nes, 1. Do I have a PFAS problem in my of the solution. Collaborate broadly
PFAS are seen as essential for fi ghting perception of their potential harm is mandatory product recalls, and signifi - (investment) portfolio? How big is and identify and invest in new alter-
fl ammable gas fi res.To overcome this growing. While this brings challenges, The benefi ts of change cant reputational damage. the problem now? How big will it native materials or solutions. Based on
challenge, the Dutch Organisation for the increasing emphasis on sustain- In the EU, more than 50% of annual be tomorrow? all of these actions, build a concrete
Applied Scientifi c Research (TNO) is ability and public health also presents PFAS production is tied to consumer However, the fi rst challenge for 2. What do I do with existing pro- and comprehensive PFAS-free strategy,
collaborating with the US Strategic a unique opportunity for companies goods, such as apparel and food pack- many businesses to overcome is that ducts and solutions? Can I continue outlining when PFAS will be phased
Environmental Research and Develop- that are willing to innovate and lead the aging, where alternatives are already PFAS exposure is an invisible threat. selling current products without out product lines, including clear goals
ment Program (SERDP) to work on a way in developing safer alternatives. available. Phasing out PFAS in these Companies may not always be aware of incurring risks? How do I deal with and timelines for transition.
PFAS-free fi refi ghting foam that uses clay Those businesses that embrace change sectors could also lead to a signifi cant their own PFAS risks, as these chemi- the installed assets? Can I replace
nanoparticles, water-soluble polymers, can differentiate themselves by becom- reduction in emissions, highlighting cals can be embedded in components them profi tably, by offering enhance- The importance of taking action now
surfactants, and extinguishing agents. ing pioneers in a PFAS-free future. Seve- a clear opportunity for companies to they source from third parties, and dis- ments and an improved customer on PFAS
In addition to fi refi ghting foams, TNO ral companies have already begun to adopt safer materials. closure requirements are far from uni- experience? The issue of PFAS is no longer a dis-
actively develops alternatives to PFAS transition away from PFAS in favour of versal. If they do identify PFAS in their 3. Are there suitable and well-per- tant concern – it is a pressing challenge
chemicals for electronics and semicon- safer materials. Outdoor apparel brands All of this means that companies that products they must then decide how to forming alternatives or solutions that businesses must address now. As
ductor applications. As regulatory bodies like Patagonia and Norrøna have ad- take proactive steps to eliminate PFAS react in a timely manner and determine available, such as new safe mole- governments around the world implement
work toward defi ning and enforcing opted PFAS-free water-repellent techno- from their products and operations stand an adequate response. Product recall? cules with similar properties? Is stricter regulations and public awareness
essential use exceptions and technology logies, not only improving their sustain- to benefi t in several key ways: Information sharing? To whom and there a risk of disruption by PFAS- grows, companies that rely on PFAS must
develops, companies that incorporate ability credentials but also setting new  Compliance and risk mitigation: By by when? Demonstrating the poten- free solutions for certain applica- take action to mitigate risks and embrace

PFAS into their products must begin standards in the market, driving demand staying ahead of regulatory changes, tial obstacles this brings, a 2023 Sus- tions? Can I outsource a break- the opportunity for innovation. By deve-
planning for a future where such excep- for environmentally friendly products. businesses can avoid the risk of non- tainalytics survey showed that globally, through development, for example, loping and adopting PFAS-free alter-
tions may be harder to obtain. compliance, which can lead to signifi - only 10% of chemical companies had to a consortium? natives, businesses can not only avoid the
Many companies involved in non- cant fi nancial and reputational costs. a strong hazardous substance manage- 4. What does PFAS exposure mean risks associated with these chemicals but
There is also a signifi cant risk of essential PFAS applications are already  Consumer trust: Consumers are ment program, and over 40% had none. for my competitive position? Are also position themselves for long-term

reputational damage for companies – shifting toward alternatives. Multiple increasingly concerned about the there opportunities to improve it? success in a more sustainable and respon-
even if their application of PFAS is global brands have either announced environmental and health impacts of All of this means that while the transi- 5. What targets and timelines should sible environment. The path to a PFAS-
deemed essential and is allowed under bans on PFAS or declared that their the products they buy. Companies tion away from PFAS is underway, chal- I establish? Should I be proactive free future will require investment,
regulations. Consumers and investors products are, in fact, PFAS-free. The that demonstrate a commitment to lenges remain around four key areas: or reactive? How should the transi- collaboration, and a willingness to embrace
are now much more aware of the im- Environmental Working Group (EWG), sustainability and consumer safety 1. Clarity on sunset dates. Uncer- tion be organized? change. However, companies that act
pacts of PFAS and are likely to view any an American nonprofi t, has compiled a can strengthen their brand and build tainty around regulatory timelines decisively now can turn the challenges
use negatively. A parallel can be drawn comprehensive list of these companies trust with their customer base. complicates effective planning for Based on the answers to these strate- of PFAS into opportunities to lead their
with the case of chromium-6, a carcino- and the parameters of their commit-  Market leadership: By embracing transitions. gic questions, businesses can prepare for industries and build a more sustainable
genic substance once widely used as ments. For example, IKEA currently new technologies and innovations, 2. Finding suitable alternatives. Deve- change at an operational level. Rather future for generations to come.

178 Chemical Weekly February 25, 2025 Chemical Weekly February 25, 2025 179

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