Document 09QrrznkJoLZmKx64ZY7QQKb

Restrictions on the use of PFAS April 2023 We are receiving an increasing number of queries from customers about the potential impact on our products and continuity of supply due to proposed restrictions on the use of the group of chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Status In October 2020 the European Commission published a communication on its `Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability Towards a Toxic-Free Environment'. Included within the document is the aim "....to ensure, in particular, that the use of PFAS is phased out in the EU, unless it is proven essential for society." Following on from the publication of this document, the competent authorities for REACH in the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway prepared a REACH Annex XV Restriction Dossier in which they proposed EU-wide measures covering the manufacturing, use, and placement on the EU market of all PFAS. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has, according to procedure, accepted the dossier and from the end of March initiated a 6-month consultation process. The purpose of this consultation is to gather information and arguments for possible exemptions or other changes to the text and scope of the proposal on restrictions of PFAS. Stakeholders from inside and outside the EU, such as interested companies and organisations representing industry are invited to submit comments. Similar processes are also underway in several States of the USA. KROHNE position KROHNE is proactively facing the potential issues in several ways: We are actively participating in the consultation process both directly and indirectly via national industry bodies and associations such as the ZVEI, FIEEC, FME and GAMBICA. - We support the continued use of solid, non-volatile PFAS polymers within a strict recycling policy where there are no other alternative materials available. We are auditing our full portfolio of products to establish the level of use of PFAS. We are investigating alternative materials and processes that would allow us to remove or replace PFAS in our products. We are ensuring that our R&D teams are fully informed so that they can take the right design decisions for new product developments. We will update this document as new information becomes available. In the meantime, if you have any further questions, please contact your local KROHNE sales office.