Document 3w1z0moaNjXbYL0dXrGdpD6a

Ref. Ares(2024)3665462 - 22/05/2024 1 To avoid the dire consequences for the clean energy and digital transitions European Commission to consider an exemption for fluoropolymers from the universal PFAS restriction. 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 5 6 7 Dr. Gehrmann, Hans-Joachim, Dr. habil. Bologa, Andrei, Dr. Aleksandrov, Krasimir, Bergdolt, Philipp, Dr. Taylor, Philip, Dr. Schlipf, Michael, Dr. Ameduri, Bruno, Gunasekar, Priyanga, Kapoor, Deepak, Pilot-Scale Fluoropolymer Incineration Study: Thermal Treatment of a Mixture of Fluoropolymers under Representative European Municipal Waste Combustor Conditions, (2023) dCCd <:cLera EPEES = ToelNe ESMED. Soir] Crea in" RECHARGE `> semr TD.|P.ro.ms Wind Battery manufacturers are using a very limited number of PFAS, widely dominated by polymers of low concern. Fluoropolymers such as PTFE and PVDF are the main types of PFAS used in key components of batteries. For example, PVDF and PTFE are used in binders, in solid electrolyte/gel polymer electrolytes and in coatings on the separator of batteries. PTFE is used in gaskets, washers and in oxygen permeable membranes used in batteries. FEP, FKM, PFA, VDF-HFP are also used in gaskets and washers. Fluoropolymers have unique properties which is why they are used in batteries they are water, oil and dirt repellent; they are durable under extreme conditions (such as high temperature, high pressure and aggressive chemicals) and they provide efficient electrical and thermal insulation. For most uses of fluoropolymers in batteries, there are currently no non-PFAS alternatives. Non-PFAS alternatives require much research and development, commercial upscaling, extensive electrochemical and mechanical performance, and safety testing to be on par with batteries available today. This will take longer than the transition periods Therefore, it is highly unlikely that non-PFAS alternatives will be deployable and scalable in the near future. PFAS emissions across the battery value chain are controlled during the manufacturing and recycling process and since PFAS is embedded well within the battery there is no direct contact of PFAS to consumers during battery use. a(Pnhdotcolreeasniistnsg)aprnodcsepsesceisaltgoasinecsis(esuacnhdas fCabFr,icaCt2eF6s,eCmaicFonadnudctCoSrFs8,)u2t)iltihzeedsfeomricphoontdoulcittohrogirnatpehryc,oentncehcitns,g capacitors and insulators, and 3) the semiconductor manufacturing equipment (such as dry retching and film deposition tools) and factory infrastructure (such as chemical and ultr-pure water distribution systems). While there is some potential for discovering or inventing replacements in the long term, currently no known alternatives exist for mst of the uses of PFAS by the semiconductor industry across athpepilriesdupipnltyo cmhaasins,ptrhoudsucrteiqouniritnogbaeltreerncaotginviezesdubasstavniacbelsetaohtbeerarteisveeasr.chFeodr,fduervtehelropiendfoarnmdatpiootnenptlieaalsley consult the SEMI PEAS Explainer Automotive The automotive industry is a major downstream user of many PFAS, including fluoropolymers, fluorinated gases, and short-chain PFAS. Fluoropolymers are used fo several keytechnical components, such as gaskets, hoses, joints, O-rings, seals, cords, cables, or sleeves. Fluoropolymers and fluoroelastomers are vital engineering materials that improve CO2e performance of our vehicles and enhance the durabiolfiotuyr components. Data from the automotive industry's International Material Data System (IMDS), taken in Q1 2022,shows the breakdown of reported PFAS in the industry: Nearl8y million automotive parts contain PFAS substancesunder the scopeof the proposed Restriction. Over 5 millon of these parts contain fluoropolymers and fluoroelastomers. The biggest reported PFAS is PTFE fuoropolymer, which s used in nearly 4 millon automotive parts. PTFE counts for nearly 50% of the. total reported PFA in automotive parts and more than 70% of fluoropolymer uses Geothermal Fluoropolaryemwiedrelsy used in the geothermal sector Theyare incorporated in equipment used for driling, wel completion, production pumps, sensors, cables and geothermal heat pump systems. At present, substitutes are not available on themarket.We recommend adequate supporting measures to allow for their development and demonstration. Machinery and equipment manufacturing `The manufacturing proocfeexsstisng and future technologieswasnotcovered as a sectorbythe dossier submifortthteuneivrerssal PFAS restriction. Based on the current restriction proposal all manufacturers in the mechanical and plant engineering industry would be affected either i their products or in their `pcroomdpurcetsisoonrslianer.e Fhoirghelxyaamfpfleec,tehdyadnradulwiicdecloympusoendenitnst,hepuinmdpusst,rym.oPtFoArSs,maonsdtlvyalvfelsu,orainawteeldl pasolfyitmteirngss(aen.8d. PTFE, ETFE, FER, PFA, PVDF,FKM),areoften used, for example, in seals, hoses, wires and coatings. PFAS`containing materials are needed in machinery and equipment whenever extreme conditions (high or low temperatures, high frictional resistance, aggressive/corrosive/toxic chemical conditions or `combinationof these) prevail Therefore, most existing industrial plants and applications often do not have equivalent alternatives to the expensive PFAS, which- due to their high price alone- are not used carelessly Further information canbefound in VOMA submissions nto the ECHA consultation. Power Plants (turbine and engine-based power &heatgeneration) Fluoropolymearse incorporated into many core components of power plans. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PFTE)i used in components such as rotary shaft seal, valves, electrodes, tubing, cables and gaskets g`Aidvdeintiointsalllyo,wFflruiocrtiionne prruobpbeertrie(sFKtMo),prfelvueonrtoclaerabkosnarnudbbkeerep(cFoPn)tamainndanTtestrfafrloumoreonettehryilnegnethperospyyslteenme.. T(hFeEPrMe)starircetiuosnewdoiunlsdeacloinnsgtsiftourtteahemiarjroersiisstkantcoethtoeheixgihsttienmgpeelreacttruirceisty,styosxitcemanadt Efulraompmeaabnlelecvheelmidcuaelst.o thelack of replacement components needed alo for the maintenance and service of existing plants. As consequence existing power plants may have to be stopped. The use of alternative, PFAS-free `components i,atleastfor now,highlyunlikely,asthreare noidentifiedreplacementsin development stage advanced enough to be deployed at the required scale in the upcoming years. The absolute qpuraontteicttieedsoopferfaltuionrgopeonlvyimreornsmeunstesdwiinthpvoewreyritpleanrtisskoarfeunccoomnptarroalblledy rsemlaelalseatnodtthheeenuvsiertoankmeesntpldaucreinign use andend-ofIfe. Industral, medical and specgiasainldutstryy Fluoropolymers are needed at all levels of the distribution and utilisation of industrial, medical and Specialy gases: in equipment fo cryogenic and low-temperature service, for gasstorageand transport; inthegasdistribution network and inconnections between equipment. The sector usesfluoropolymers for their specificproperties.PTFEforitshighselfigniton temperature andlowheatof combustion in an oxidisingenvironment; inmixtureswith other materials such as metals, ceramics, usedasself-lubricating bearings, for their chemical resistance and low friction, reducing wear and extending equipment life. PTFE-coated hoses for filling gas in cylinders, for their chemical resistance and compatibility with flammable, corrosive and toxic gases. Fluoropolymer seals (PTFE, PCT, FKWM), gaskets and O-rings, which ensure the tightness and functionalityof equipment in gas andcryogenicapplications, critical for jperoopcaersdsisseafetthye. sIunpapdldyitoifognatsoesgatso stuhpeplmyedpircoabllseemcstoirn oorthcerirtisceacltoirnsd,usatribeasn, ionnclfulduionrgogproeleynmehrysdwroougledn c(aclriyborgaetniiocnagnasdegs,atsoexiocuastno)decnoarbrloessivueppglaysefso)raEnUddeelceacrtbroonniicsagtaisoenstaarngdetlsi,quaindds uspseecdiailntythgeasseesmi(rcaornedguacsteos,r industry. Bulk storage Bulk storage terminals store of, gas, food, feed, fat, chemical etc. and are present in ports, airports, logistic platforms and along rivers, canals, and pipelines. Such terminals hold the strategic energy eserves mandabtytehde International Energy Agency, as well as NATO fuel stocks. They willbe citcal tionveensatbmleenttsheanidmppoirltot,epxrpoojretc,tsaanrde EinurporopgeraensslofgoirstsitcsoriangferaosftrCu0c2tu,reclfeoarncclheeamnicparlosd,uchtsy.drFoogrenexcaarmrpileers, including LOHC, methanol and ammonia, e-fuels, and critical raw materials. Storage infrastructure wil continue to provide a buffetor the EU economy andsupply chainsfor energytransition compliant energy carriers and industrial inputs, as they do today with existing carrier. In this context, fuoropolymers are eefsfsiecniteinatlly.in manufacturing valves, gaskets etc. to enable storage infrastructure to function safely and Refrigeration, Air-Conditioning, and Heat Pump (RACH) equipment Fluoropolymers that fal underthe PFAS definition in the proposal are widely used in RACHP components such as compressors, valves, controls, variable speed drives, leak detection electronic, etc. These. systems require sealing materials and bearings that can withstand high pressures, and a wide range of temperatures to operate at thei best. This specifically includes PTFE, PFA, FEP, FKM FEPM, ETF, PUD, PEPE. Those fluoropolymer materials are highly resilient and provide excellent sealing and frictional properties that are required to minimise leakage of refrigerants and provide energy efficient (low friction) bearings. Such leakage leads to both direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and to reduced energy efficiency and therefore increased energy-related (indirect) GHGemissions. Electricity transmission and distribution (T&D) grid equipment Fluoropolymers are commonly used in key T&D equipment, parts, and components such as transformers, switchgear, circuit breakers, and High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) equipment to name. afew, These PFAS provides unique propertiesforelectrical insulation and protection against fire hazards. `and harsh environments, such as PTFEcable coating or PVDF cooling pipes. For example, aneofthekey. properties of PTFE sealing and gaskets include high chemical and high temperature resistance, long lifetime, and resistance against oxidative ageing. In this context, fluoropolymers are essential to guarantee electrical safety and performance of the equipment guaranteeing electricity supply across. Europe.