Document G5Nnxn0rR3vdQK127Dbn3bZm
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Protect Your Business & Support EU's Sustainability and Competitiveness - Engaging in the REACH Restriction Process on PFAS
Prepared by Chemours, for APM customers and value chains
Welcome!
Cedric Triquet
EMEA Strategy and Advocacy Director - APM, Chemours
Yann Lepage
Head of Global Sales - APM, Chemours
Frenk Hulsebosch
Program Director, Chemours
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Antitrust & Competition Laws
DOs
To ensure that no violation of competition law occurs in the context of a meeting, please observe the following together with the leader:
PREPARATION OF THE MEETING Agenda and meeting documents must not include issues relevant to competition
law.
DURING THE MEETING Discussions should be limited to the agenda topics that were sent in advance. Take minutes of the full meeting. In case of spontaneous statements relevant to competition law, you must react
immediately and actively to dissociate yourself from the violation. Point out to a participant that this issue must not be discussed. If necessary, postpone the discussion until you have received relevant legal clarification. If the discussion continues, notify your objection in the protocol, suspend the meeting or leave the meeting space. Any action taken in this regard must be recorded in the protocol. Inform the legal counsel of your company about the incident.
AFTER THE MEETING Minutes of the meetings should be short and straightforward.
DON'Ts
Employees of competing companies are not allowed to formally or informally discuss, exchange information or make arrangements regarding any of the following points:
PRICES, in particular: Pricing, price differences, and pricing strategies. Individual sales and payment terms; individual discounts, credits, and credit conditions.
PRODUCTION, in particular: Individual production or sales costs, costing formulas, methods of cost calculation,
costs of production, acquiring, inventory, sales, etc. of products or product groups. Changes in production, e.g. for maintenance or limiting the market supply of a
product.
TRANSPORTATION, in particular: Rates or rate policies for individual shipments, including basing point systems, zone
prices, freight, etc.
FUTURE MARKET BEHAVIOR, in particular: Plans of individual companies concerning technology, investment, design, production,
distribution and marketing of certain products. Agreement on market allocation either geographically or by customers. Matters related to actual or potential suppliers or customers, particularly if this might
have the effect of excluding them from any market or influencing business conduct of other companies toward them. "Blacklists" or boycotts of customers, competitors, or suppliers.
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Agenda
1. Why the PFAS restriction proposal matters: economic & sustainability impact
2. What's included: scope and structure 3. Why fluoropolymers shouldn't be included 4. How to take action 5. What's next? 6. Q&A
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We Are In This Together
Chemours is committed to responsible manufacturing and has taken industryleading steps to reduce emissions of fluorinated organic chemicals to the environment by over 99% by 2030.
We support industrywide government regulation that is grounded in the best available science.
For critical industrial applications, there are currently no viable alternatives, as Fluoropolymers are unmatched in their requirements profile. At the same time, Fluoropolymers are safe when used in their intended way. We will continue to engage in an open dialogue with authorities, the public and regulators to help further develop meaningful regulation that allows for continued innovation power and a sustainable transformation in the EU. In this way, we are preparing for the upcoming consultation, where we will present relevant data to support our arguments with facts - but for this we will also need your support!
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Why Are We Here Today?
We would like to create awareness for the regulatory process of the PFAS restriction proposal and its implications for the industry and value chain. We encourage you to engage in ECHA's open consultations to address concerns and unintended consequences while ensuring that the regulation supports the EU Green Deal and other policy programs crucial for a successful European future. Our goal is that you walk away from this webinar with the ability to :
Fully understand the PFAS restriction proposal (dossier), its potential implications, and the regulatory process.
Participate in open consultations that started on March 22 to ensure authorities have a complete and
accurate understanding of the value chain and the socioeconomic impact of the proposed restriction. Without data, applications will be banned from the EU market.
Engage with your trade associations to spark a strong industry's voice in the public debate.
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Why You Should Care: Economic And Sustainability Impact
PFAS Restriction Proposal In A Nutshell
On February 7, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published a regulatory proposal to restrict the manufacture, placing on the market and use of all PFAS in the EU.
Full ban of around 10,000 PFAS, with an 18-month transition phase after the regulation's entry into force. Derogations are suggested for individual applications of 5 to 12 years in
sectors essential for society and for which alternatives do not yet exist.
Why a Grouping Approach?
1. Authorities justify the restriction of the entire PFAS group by focusing on persistency as the common property.
2. Authorities are in general concerned that a substance bysubstance approach is too slow to effectively regulate all PFAS.
3. They aim for preventing the industry from just replacing one chemical with another that is identical but might have an even worse hazard profile.
Why It Matters?
A broad ban on PFAS is expected to significantly impact European businesses and industries which are using these substances.
Fluoropolymers are currently essential in a wide range of industries, including hydrogen and clean energy, transportation and automotive, electronics, the chemical industry, oil & gas, food, medical and pharma, and many more.
Open Consultation started on 22 March and will end 25 September 2023.
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Numerous Industries Rely on PFAS
Fluoropolymer's have a unique set of properties and characteristics, making them essential for various applications and uses.
Automotive
Particle filters, fuel hoses, break hoses, semiconductors
Electronics
Wires & cables, semconductors, tubing, piping, fittings, valves, pumps,
vessels, instrumentation
Power generation & renewables
Wind turbines, sealings, electrolyzers, PEM
Per and polyfluoroalkyl
substances (PFAS)
Mechanical & plant engineering
Lubricants, production materials, film / tubing
Aerospace
Insulation, wires, semiconductors, sealings, aircraft interior coating, aerospace materials, tapes and gaskets
Medical technology & Pharma Processing
Implants, endoscopy, catheters, dialysis, respirators, anaesthesia equipment, care and surgical textiles
Construction
Heating, air conditioning, insulation
Chemical processing
Tubing, filters, linings, vessels and pipes
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Not an exhaustive list, just for demonstrative purposes
Example: Essential For Semiconductors
Scenario: Ban of fluoropolymers in semiconductor manufacturing
Without fluoropolymers, the European semiconductor industry would collapse, immediately making almost every sector reliant on the importation of semiconductor chips from Asia and North America.
Europe would lose its 10% global semiconductor chip market share and consequently fail to fulfil the objectives in the EU Chips Act and other EU strategic objectives.
With a complete Fluoropolymer restriction the supply chain within Europe would cease operations leading to economic losses of 63.4 billion. Over 21,000 employees would face redundancy, incurring a further social cost of over 3.1 billion.
For certain applications, fluoropolymers are also present in final semiconductor devices, limiting European imports for critical electronic devices.
Semiconductor manufacturing processes that rely on fluoropolymers
Deposition
Thermal management
Photoresist coating
Lithography
Etching
Ionization
Packaging
Tubing
Flow Meters
Pumps and Valves
Post photoresist removal cleaners
Fluid Handling Components Baths and Sinks Wafer Handling Tanks and Containers Sensors
Cushioning Packaging Release Film Cleaning Fluid Chains
Pressure Regulators Frontendofline (FEOL) and back
endofline (BEOL) cleaners Postetch residue
removers/cleaners
Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) slurry formulations
PostCMP cleaners
Filters
Heat Transfer Fluid
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Example: Essential For Automotive
Electrical Systems, Wires, Cables, and Semiconductors
Semiconductor chips Lambda/O2 sensor conduit &
grommet Electric mirror lubrication DC motor bearing lubrication Oxygen/NOx Sensor
Heated seat wire
Convoluted wire harness
Diesel pump wire
conduit
ABS transmission brake sensor Cable tie wraps
wire
Xenon/bixenon headlight wire
High tension ignition cable Throttle body injection wire
Battery terminal wire
ABS sensor cables
Transmission & Transaxles
Internal shift seal ring/clutch piston Dual mass flywheel replacement
ring
Auto ORC decoupler for alternators
Clutch pilot and release bearings Driveshaft: CV joint lubrication
Clutch bearing lip seals
Engine & Powertrain
Head cylinder & oil pan Throttle body bearings
gasket
& lubrication
Transmission &
ETC lubrication
crankshaft seals
Actuator assembly;
Valve stem seals
valve belt tensioner
Bearing lubrication Air intake manifold
Flexible oring & piston gaskets
skirt coating
Turbocharger hoses
Front engine accessory
drive
Chassis
ABS interconnected hose Hydraulic break lines Impulse hose at wheel Brake pad clips, shim and wear indicator Shock struts/absorber piston seals Axle seals
NVH busing lubrication Steering ball bushing incl. lubrication Steering ball joint insert and shaft
steering splines Steering assist pump piston rings
Fuel Systems
Fuel line: feed return, vapor Fuel line quick connector seals Interconnect hoses Filler neck hose Fuel rail crossover FIORs Fuel sender seal Connector orings Diaphragm pressure regulator Antiexpulsion tank valve Pressure injection bushing
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Regulatory Impact Even Beyond The EU
The regulation's impact is not regional but global
Global Value Chain The regulation aims to restricts manufacturing, use, and
placing on the market. This affects production in as well as imports into the EU. Hence, it could affect any business that trades / processes PFAS or has parts of its supply chain in Europe, and it could impact freedoms to import and export. A precedent beyond Europe EU regulations often influence policy in the Americas and other markets - this REACH restriction is no exception. EU regulation sometimes leads private industry around the world to adapt to not be cut off from the single market. UK REACH, following EU REACH model closely, can serve as an example of the precedent setting power the EU has for other world regions.
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What's Included: Scope And Structure
Far Reaching Restriction Proposal
Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) defined as: Any substance that contains at least one fully fluorinated methyl (CF3) or methylene (CF2) carbon atom (without any H/Cl/Br/I attached to it).
Proposal to ban over 10,000 PFAS as defined by the OECD in sectors where the submitters assumed there is technically and economically feasible alternatives.
Certain timebound derogations which are limited in number and focused on very specific applications, i.e. PEM in fuel cells. If a derogation for a certain sector/ application is not listed, the application is automatically included in the ban.
Additionally: Potential derogations to be reconsidered after receiving more evidence during the public consultation. The applications addressed are in the medical, transport, industrial or semiconductor sectors.
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Derogations Are Delayed Bans
Even if 5 or 12year derogations apply for a sector (6.5/13.5 years after EiF), they significantly impact opportunities for future development and growth.
NO planning certainty
NO investment in technologies' future
NO research and development
The industry needs time-unlimited derogations for fluoropolymers
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Why Fluoropolymers Should Not Be Banned
Safe For Intended Use
A substantial body of scientific data demonstrates that fluoropolymers do not pose a significant risk to human health or the environment because of their unique characteristics.
1. 2.
Persistency in fluoropolymers adds value to society, industries, and contributes to sustainability.
All available data demonstrate that fluoropolymers are NOT bioavailable, toxic or
even mobile.
3.
Fluoropolymers do NOT dissolve in or contaminate water or generate microplastics
and CANNOT enter or accumulate in a person's
bloodstream.
4.
Fluoropolymers meet the OECD's criteria for
"polymers of low concern" as they do
NOT present significant toxicity concerns and do NOT degrade into other
PFAS.
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Lack Of Equivalent Alternatives
While some chemistries might offer a similar performance to fluoropolymers for a particular parameter or property, it is the unique combination of properties that sets fluoropolymers apart and makes them vital to the sectors and industries they serve.
Fluoropolymers have a unique combination of
properties
Important characteristics for a wide range of products
and technologies
Fundamental for numerous industries
Durable Efficient Reliable Versatile
Fire resistance Weather resistance Temperature resistance Chemical resistance Nonwetting and non
sticking properties Highperformance dielectric
properties
Fluoropolymers in the manufacture of semiconductors NafionTM membranes in hydrogen fuel cells and electrolyzers
TeflonTM fluoropolymers & VitonTM elastomers to protect pipes, vessels and equipment in the chemical industry
TeflonTM fluoropolymers in manufacturing of food and
medicine to prevent contamination TeflonTM fluoropolymers and KrytoxTM lubricants to
assure safe and reliable operation of airplanes KrytoxTM as unique lubricant approved for oxygen
medical application for safety reason.
As it will take years or decades to develop alternatives - if possible - a phase out of fluoropolymers will result in a gap in capabilities for innovation, products, and industries.
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Why Manufacturing Of Fluoropolymers Matters
Responsible manufacturing is a requirement for the sustainable production of fluoropolymers.
It is important to understand that nonfluorinated polymerization aids / surfactants (NFA/NFS) are NOT a solution. While they can be used in the manufacturing for some products, they cannot be used to produce the full portfolio of Fluoropolymers that are currently commercially available and that are essential for society. Fluorinated Polymerization aids remain crucial for highperformance applications. Understanding of the impurity profiles from the manufacturing process, is key to design efficient emission controls. The use of targeted and nontargeted residue analysis plays an important role to gain this understanding.
What ever polymerization aid is being used, state of the art emission control technologies are required.
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Managed Lifecycles of Fluoropolymers
Capture, recover and recycle during manufacturing and processing
Make products more durable and longlasting; as an addedvalue and form of emission control
Endoflife recovery and recycling of fluoropolymers in products, wherever possible
Existing regulations in place for waste management
End of Life Vehicles Directive
Battery Directive
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive
Landfill Directive Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive Waste Incineration Directive
Fluoropolymers do not degrade into other PFAS in the environment
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Grouping All PFAS Is A Mistake
Fluoropolymers are considered as PFAS due to their structural definition and persistency. Fluoropolymers do NOT share the toxicological and environmental profiles associated with other PFAS. Persistency in itself is NOT sufficient to restrict a substance under REACH.
PFAS significantly differ from one another in terms of:
Physical and chemical properties
Health and environmental profiles
Manufacturing processes, uses, and benefits
Comparing all PFAS with each other is like comparing olive oil with plastic bags.
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How To Take Action
Answering In Accordance With ECHA Guideline
It is crucial to answer ECHA's survey following 10 specific topics:
1. Sectors and (sub)uses to which comments apply; according to sectors and uses identified in the report 2. Emissions across different stages of lifecycle of products, i.e. manufacture, use and endoflife 3. Emissions in the endoflife phase with respect to waste management options: effectiveness of incineration 4. Impacts on the recycling industry 5. For proposed derogations; information on tonnage of PFAS used per year and resulting emissions 6. Information on alternatives and socioeconomic impacts for missing uses not covered by the report 7. Information on alternatives and socioeconomic impacts for potential derogations marked for reconsideration by the report 8. Information on alternatives and socioeconomic impacts for uses identified in the report 9. Degradation potential of specific PFAS subgroups (trifluoromethoxy, trifluoromethylamino and difluoromethanedioxyderivatives) 10. Information on new analytical methods for PFAS not yet considered in the report
Here you find the ECHA survey online here.
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What Data and Information Is Most Important?
No data, no market - providing information is critical. The authorities' vision will be harder to shape down the process.
Nature and type of fluoropolymer
used
Extent and type of use
(in particular, if these are not yet covered in the
restriction report and no alternatives are available)
Functionality, economic and/or social benefits of
fluoropolymer and its respective
use
Performance criteria
standards, specifications, requirements
Socioeconomic impacts
of the restriction
Evaluation of possible
alternatives
Emission control measures taken
(during manufacture, processing and use, if
applicable)
Estimating socioeconomic impact of such preliminary and often vague restrictions is often complicated. Please feel free to make assumptions - as much information as you can provide is helpful to the authorities. 25
How To Best Specify Your Response
Data based response
Establish use of fluoropolymers in critical applications Provide detail on performance criteria, function, and benefits of fluoropolymers Share information on standards and specifications required Include supporting evidence to justify the information submitted
Information on alternatives
Information on economic impact
Description of the search for alternatives to date (time span and scope) If applicable, reasons for the unsuccessful search for alternatives so far If applicable, description of the availability and technical feasibility of possible alternatives and the criteria that speak compellingly
against their use If applicable, description of the economic and social impacts associated with any available alternatives
Focus on incremental costs and benefits, i.e. those related to implementing vs. not implementing the restriction Description of the economic impact both on your organization as well as the broader value chain / downstream users Overview of costs and time period required for substitution of substances / materials Organizational, financial, societal, and political consequences associated with substitution substances/materials Economic / societal consequences of a total loss of use
Information on Lifecycle
Recovery and recycling of (fluoropolymers in) your products; including available incineration data Existing regulations in place that concern your industry / products in terms of safety and waste management Health and environmental profile of your products / chemicals used (e.g. FP do not degrade into smaller PFAS in the environment)
Durability as an added value and emission control
Its important that ECHA receives this information from the entire fluoropolymer
value chain, not just the manufacturers. The voice of OEMs in particular has a lot
of influence. Get involved as a company, but also push your industry group to
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participate.
What's Next?
A Key Moment in a Long Regulation Process
Actors
Procedural steps / Timeline
Submitter (DE, NL, NO, DK, SE)
Preparatory work
Prepare restriction dossier (Annex XV)
12 months
March 2023
September 2023
March 2024
June 2024
Interested Parties Stakeholders
Notify
Submit
Open consultation (6 months)
OC (60 days)
Secretariat SEAC
RAC Forum
Registration of Intent
Prepare and adopt Draft opinion / Final Opinion
(12 months)
Prepare and adopt final opinion (9 months)
Advice
Send
Commission REACH
Committee Industry
Member States
WE ARE HERE: The restriction dossier is NOT the final regulation. The process foresees a public consultation for stakeholder involvement as well as possibilities for the authorities to amend the final restriction outcome.
Prepare decision (3 months)
Amend Annex XVII
Comply Enforce
Check conformity
Committees ECHA
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Consultations: Critical Opportunities to Engage
Open Consultation (6 months)
Start: March 22, 2023 Invitation to stakeholders to comment on the restriction dossier
Socioeconomic impact Applications & Uses
Open Consultation (60 days)
Start: After publication of SEAC draft opinion
Invitation to stakeholders to comment on SEAC draft opinion
Committee for SocioEconomic Analysis (SEAC) Prepare and adopt draft opinion (9 months) / final Opinion (12 months)
(12 months) Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC)
Prepare and adopt final opinion (9 months)
Advice from the REACH Forum
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Why The Open Consultations Are So Important
Industry input and data is critical to underline the need for proposed and additional derogations and to help SEAC and RAC in formulating an accurate opinions.
The entire fluoropolymer value chain has leverage and valuable information to provide; this includes downstream (processors) and end users (e.g. OEMs).
No data, no market - providing information is critical. The authorities' vision will be harder to shape down the process.
Acting now is essential.
The process will become increasingly political.
Based on the information gathered during the public consultation, the scientific committees will form their opinion on whether the proposed restriction is appropriate in reducing the risks to health / environment as
well as on the socioeconomic impacts, i.e. benefits and costs to society, associated with the proposal.
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How To Submit Your Data And Information
Stakeholders can submit information to ECHA and answer to the ECHA survey through the ECHA website here. When submitting information, you have an option to include confidential attachment for sensitive information (Section V).
ECHA published a very helpful guide on how to submit information and structure answers to its survey. You can find this guide here.
Submit important information early in the consultation phase (first 6 weeks). This way, this information can already be taken into account during the first meetings of the ECHA Committees. It is recommended to not wait until the end of the public consultation.
On April 5, 10:0012:00h CET, ECHA will host a webinar to provide additional information. Questions on the dossier and the consultation can already submitted here.
Industry data provided in public consultations will play
a key role in shaping the final proposal
Additional information on the PFAS restriction proposal can be found here.
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What You Can Do
Industry must collaborate globally among peers to ensure the REACH regulatory process does not jeopardize the EU's goals on sustainability and innovation. You can help us shape a constructive regulatory outcome:
Submit your own response for the public consultation, to ensure the REACH
competent authorities have a complete and accurate vision of the value chain.
Equip your customers with the information they need to participate to the public consultation that started on March 22 and engage REACH competent authorities.
Foster a broader EU industry dialogue on the safe and sustainable use of chemicals in
Europe.
In the coming week, you will receive an InfoPacket from Chemours with additional information and resources regarding the public consultation and next steps. Please feel free to distribute down the value chain. You can also visit our website for additional information and updates on the regulatory process.
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Again: We Are In This Together
Chemours is committed to responsible manufacturing and has taken industryleading steps to reduce emissions of fluorinated organic chemicals to the environment by over 99% by 2030.
We support industrywide government regulation that is grounded in the best available science.
For critical industrial applications, there are currently no viable alternatives, as Fluoropolymers are unmatched in their requirements profile. At the same time, Fluoropolymers are safe when used in their intended way. We will continue to engage in an open dialogue with authorities, the public and regulators to help further develop meaningful regulation that allows for continued innovation power and a sustainable transformation in the EU. In this way, we are preparing for the upcoming consultation, where we will present relevant data to support our arguments with facts - but for this we will also need your support!
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Review Of Next Steps
Chemours will continue to be Your Trusted Partner
as you engage industry and authorities
Contact Us with any questions regarding the public consultation or the broader restriction process. You can also visit our website for additional information.
The time to engage is Now.
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Q&A
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Thank you!