Document 1DQmMKb50a6e895OoekeBMva

ANNEX V Gujarat Fluorochemicals Transition from Fluorinated polymerization aid to Non-Fluorinated polymerization aid in the manufacturing of PTFE fine powders 11th August, 2023 Transition from Fluorinated polymerization aid to Non-Fluorinated polymerization aid in the manufacturing of PTFE fine powders Dear Valued Partner, From the U.S. to Europe and beyond, authorities are developing legislative and regulatory approaches to limit exposure to, and adverse health and environmental effects from, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Currently, many of the proposals include fluoropolymers in their definition of PFAS, likely because some manufacturers use and emit fluorinated polymerization aids (FPAs) in the polymerization of their fluoropolymers. Regulators and scientists believe that the use of fluorinated polymerization aids in the manufacture of fluoropolymers is a considerable source of PFAS pollution in the environment. The EU REACH PFAS restriction proposes to restrict the use of FPAs in the manufacture of PTFE, PVDF and FKM without any derogation. In this regard, GFL has decided to move away from the use of FPAs in the manufacturing of its fluoropolymers (please refer company announcement dated 30/11/2022). GFL has already made a complete switchover from FPA (Gen-X) to non-fluorinated polymerization aid (NFPA) in the manufacturing of PTFE aqueous dispersions, PVDF and FKM. Furthermore, GFL plans to stop the use of FPA in the manufacturing of PTFE Fine powders before the end of 2023. GFL is committed to completely stop the use of FPAs in the manufacture of its entire portfolio of fluoropolymers during 2024. We recommend our esteemed clientele to complete qualification of PTFE fine powders produced using environmentally sustainable and regulatory compliant non-fluorinated polymerization aid technology. GFL has decided to stop producing GN7040 and GN7045 products made using Gen-X from 1st October, 2023. These products will be replaced by FP7040EX produced using NFPA. Starting 1st January 2024, all PTFE fine powder products shall be manufactured using NFPA technology replacing Gen-X. Samples of all these products are available for your qualifications. We request you to kindly communicate your requirements to your respective Account Managers for planning purposes. Being a responsible manufacturer, GFL's priority is to offer products manufactured using environmentally sustainable technologies and raw materials. Please do not hesitate to contact your Account Manager/Technical Manager at GFL for any technical support which would help expedite a smoother and timely transition.