Document K2jEER2VpEVrnnp1LEedXmvx

AVAILABILITY, CHALLENGES AND GAPS FOR ALTERNATIVES TO PFAS IN DIFFERENT SECTORS Jonatan Kleimark - ChemSec - Chemical Watch PFAS Global Event - March 24, 2022 Swedish based non-profit organisation founded in 2002 by four environmental NGOs Receives funding from the Swedish Government and various charity funds Offers concrete tools and highlights positive examples from the business world WHAT WE DO AT CHEMSEC Drive the political discussion on hazardous chemicals Challenge companies to improve their chemicals management Develop online tools to help companies switch to safer chemicals Inform investors about risks and opportunities in the chemical industry PFAS MOVEMENT Gathering companies that: want to regulate PFAS as a group Support the transition towards PFAS free Highlight progressive businesses chemsec.org/pfas  POPs regulation of PFOA/PFOS PFAS restrictions C9-C14 - in force 2023 PFHxA - C6 - in preparation Firefighting foams - in preparation Broad PFAS restriction --> Regulation is coming! PFAS! PFAS - VERSATILE! PROPERTIES Nonreactive/Inertness Low surface tension Non-flammable Heat conductivity FUNCTIONS Water-oil-stain repellency Corrosion inhibition Heat resistance Anti-foaming agent Release agent Surfactant Flame retardant USES Process aids Surface treatments Coatings Paints Material - polymers Refrigerants  Alternatives Properties and functions - identify possible alternatives Cross sectorial solutions necessary Different maturity levels Knowledge of PFAS use External pressure Customers Legislation Development of alternatives TEXTILE Repellency - water/oil/stain Focus for a long time --> Alternatives available Extensive R&D Performance comparable to PFAS for water repellency Slightly different function for stain and oil repellency Transfer solution to other sectors with same function Paper packaging for food SECTORS? Electronics Building and construction Manufacture of metal products Petroleum and mining Semiconductors Cleaning products Household products Industrial uses Plastic production / treatment Process fluids Process aids Machinery ELECTRONICS Semiconductors Etching Different alternatives depending on material Wiring/Cables Specific alternatives depending on properties Plastic parts In conclusion: many functions/uses -> different alternatives necessary BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION Architectural membranes Cable and wiring Interior surfaces Cement additive In conclusion: widespread use, similar functions --> alternatives from other solutions PFAS ALTERNATIVES SUMMARY Most sectors affected Properties/functions general Non-reactive / inert Surface tension And other Industrial uses common - hard to address but important Alternatives available for many uses/functions/properties - further investigation of specific conditions necessary Identify pfas uses and functions find pfas free alternatives Start phasing out pfas GAPS AND CHALLENGES Attention deficit Alternatives for different functions are available - understanding of applicability is needed Awareness - focus on PFAS has been inadequate Identification of function and use in different products Guidance on how to identify and phase out PFAS THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!