Document ZB0BxQzq2rw7B0RO0YwEj087V

H4,RDICK SUPPLIERS FOR SMOOTH PRODUCTION Public consultation on PFAS restriction Hardick BV, Thermen 5, 7521 PS Enschede, Netherlands Jorg Nijkamp, Background Hardick is a producer of PTFE coated glass and aramid conveyor belts, sheets and tapes. Our products are mainly used in high temperature and non-stick production processes. We employ about 50 people and supply our products to customers all over the world, with a focus on Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and USA. Why PTFE PTFE coating on our products assures the following: - High temperature resistant - Low temperature resistant - Non-stick - Low friction - Inert to chemicals and oils - Stable belts - Strong joints - Thin products Alternatives A difference has to be made between alternatives for our conveyor belts and for sheets and tapes. Conveyor belts Steel conveyorbelts can replace PTFE conveyor belts in several applications, but will have serious disadvantages for efficiency, costs, environment and energy use: Application Printing industry Can industry Food industry Non woven industry Disadvantages of steel belt against PTFE conveyor belt Very high investment for ovens Heavy oven construction (higher use of materials) Higher energy use because steel belt takes more heat out of the oven Higher energy use in propulsing the steel belt No non-stick, possible one-time use of release materials Very high investment for ovens Heavy oven construction (higher use of materials) Higher energy use because steel belt takes more heat out of the oven Higher energy use in propulsing the steel belt Vibration of bet leads to falling over of tin cans, resulting in extra waste and lower efficiency Very high investment for ovens Heavy oven construction (higher use of materials) Higher energy use because steel belt takes more heat out of the oven Higher energy use in propulsing the steel belt No non-stick, possible one-time use of release materials High use of fats and oils for release resulting in fattier products Very high investment for ovens Heavy oven construction (higher use of materials) Higher energy use because steel belt takes more heat out of the oven Rubber extrusion Matts industry Carpet industry Flooring industry Wood industry Textile industry Automotive industry Plastics industry Higher energy use in propulsing the steel belt No nonstick, possible onetime use of release materials like silicone paper leading to increased wastes Pollution of the belts leading to short life times of heavy belts Very high investment for ovens Heavy oven construction (higher use of materials) Higher energy use in propulsing the steel belt No nonstick, possible onetime use of release materials Water cooling needed leading to high use and pollution of water Pollution of the belts leading to short life times of heavy belts Very high investment for ovens Heavy oven construction (higher use of materials) Higher energy use because steel belt takes more heat out of the oven Higher energy use in propulsing the steel belt No structure from belts embossed onto product No degassing of product No nonstick, possible onetime use of release materials Pollution of the belts leading to short life times of heavy belts Very high investment for ovens Heavy oven construction (higher use of materials) Higher energy use because steel belt takes more heat out of the oven Higher energy use in propulsing the steel belt No structure from belts embossed onto product No degassing of product No nonstick, possible onetime use of release materials Pollution of the belts leading to short life times of heavy belts Very high investment for ovens Heavy oven construction (higher use of materials) Higher energy use because steel belt takes more heat out of the oven Higher energy use in propulsing the steel belt No structure from belts embossed onto product No degassing of product No nonstick, possible onetime use of release materials Pollution of the belts leading to short life times of heavy belts Very high investment for ovens Heavy oven construction (higher use of materials) Higher energy use because steel belt takes more heat out of the oven Higher energy use in propulsing the steel belt Very high investment for ovens Heavy oven construction (higher use of materials) Higher energy use because steel belt takes more heat out of the oven Higher energy use in propulsing the steel belt No nonstick, possible onetime use of release materials like silicone paper leading to increased wastes Very high investment for ovens Heavy oven construction (higher use of materials) Higher energy use because steel belt takes more heat out of the oven Higher energy use in propulsing the steel belt Low lifetime Very high investment for ovens Rolling road Packaging Industry Heavy oven construction (higher use of materials) Higher energy use because steel belt takes more heat out of the oven Higher energy use in propulsing the steel belt No nonstick, possible onetime use of release materials Pollution of the belts leading to short life times of heavy belts Heavy windtunnel construction Easily damaged Higher investment for ovens Heavy oven construction (higher use of materials) Higher energy use because steel belt takes more heat out of the oven Other alternative materials for conveyor belts Application Food Industry Rubber Extrusion Vacuum Drying Rolling road Packaging Industry Type of alternative Silicone belts PVC belts PVC belts PE belts Plastic belts Silicone covers Disadvantages Thicker belts leading to lower heat conductivity through the belt resulting in lower output. Less easy to clean, increased hygiene risks No nonstick Not resistant to required high temperatures Pollution Not resistant to required temperatures Not resistant to high temperature caused by friction Abrasion of plastic leads to flammable and possible carcinogenic dust Abrasion leads to differences in thickness in the belt Lower lifetime Higher costs For other industries or applications no alternatives are known to us at the moment: Solar Industry No known alternatives Composite Industry No known alternatives Sheets and fabrics In many applications not a belt is required but sheets, tapes or just the fabric is required. Application Solar Industry Tank seals Packaging Industry Paper Industry Composite Industry Type of alternative No known alternatives Rubber Other method of production and plastic No known alternatives No known alternatives Disadvantages Far lower life time, leading to higher costs and/or higher risk in storage of oil and chemicals Different layers of materials leading to difficulties in recycling More expensive product