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PFAS Restriction under REACH:
What Way Forward for Fluoropolymers & F-Gases?
september 2023
Purpose of the Meeting
1. Introduction 2. Annex XV: share our observations 3. Economic impacts: share our assessment in case of a ban of
Fluoropolymers & F-Gases altogether on the key sector of the economy 4. Discuss possible way forward
Approach of the Five Countries- some concerns
"Universal Ban" Annex XVII restriction to apply to all PFAS (fulfilling
OECD definition), 18 months of `transition period' after Entry into
Force (EiF).
Derogations pesticidal active substances biocidal active substance human and veterinary medicinal products
Time-limited derogations = "delayed ban" applied either 6.5 or 13.5 years later from EiF tentative derogations proposed in square brackets
[...] where data is not enough
Dominating "anti-PFAS" narrative is based on old technologies based PFOS, PFOA - banned since more than 10 years in Europe
PFAS Restriction Timeline (2023-2026)
TODAY
Restriction Dossier
Submission
Public Consultation
Publication (7 February)
RAC adopts opinion and draft
SEAC opinion
ECHA Opinion
Consultation on draft SEAC opinion
Council/EP Scrutiny (tbc)
Entry into force
Draft Annex XVII
Restriction adopted (tbc)
Quality Check
13 Jan 2023
Conformity check
22 March 2023-Sep 2023
PREPARATORY PHASE
STAGE 1:
Annex XV Preparation
STAGE 2:
Public Consultation
Nov 2023
Nov 2023-Jan 2024
ECHA PHASE
STAGE 3: Opinion Development
Feb-Mar 2024 Q1-Q3 2025 (tbc) Q3 2025 (tbc) Q4 2025 Early 2026 (tbc)
COMMISSION PHASE
SCRUTINY/ENTRY INTO FORCE PHASE
STAGE 4:
STAGE 5:
Commission Stage
Entry into Force & Enforcement
"REACH Committee"
First bans expected as from July 2027 onwards
Some Substances in scope of PFAS Proposal
Fluoropolymers (PTFE, PFA, etc)
F-Gases (e.g 1234yf and 1336mzz isomers)
Fluoropolymers are a specialty plastic
F-Gases are specialty performance refrigerants
Durable by design
and fluids.
Fluoropolymers have thermal, chemical,
F-Gases (1234yf) are circular by design
photochemical, hydrolytic, oxidative, and
Three main properties: cooling, heating and
biological stability and they have negligible
insulation (blowing agents).
residual monomer and oligomer content and low Ultra-low global warming potential (GWP) and
to no leachables.
no Ozone depleting potential (ODP)
Fluoropolymers do not pose a significant risk to
human health or the environment when used for
their intended purposes.
REACH PFAS Annex XV - Our Concerns
THE PROPOSAL BY 5 COUNTRIES IS FLAWED
No derogations, only bans (+18 months after EiF) or "delayed bans" (+6.5 or +13.5 years after EiF)
Persistency - main criterion for ban ("P-sufficient approach"): No hazard assessment
No information on use resulting in emissions
Nor risk assessment
Insufficient analysis of alternatives
No causal link between alleged presence of PFAS and actual fluoropolymers usage
Wrong premises (e.g. non-fluorinated polymerization aids are `better' for the environment)
Old data (e.g. HFPO-DA emissions data from 2013) Alternative RMOs not considered
DIRECT IMPACT ON FLUOROPOLYMERS and F-Gases 1. All PFAS as per definition, unless explicitly derogated, will be
banned as from July 2027 2. Most substances will be completely banned after a transition
period (if at all) 3. Fluoropolymers and F-Gases are in scope of restriction
proposal. 4. Fluorinated Polymerization aids are banned for the production
of PTFE and FKM (Chemours products). 5. Transported isolated intermediates used under strictly
controlled conditions are banned (contrary to REACH). OVERALL: indirect ban on high-tech economic sectors, including green technologies, relying on fluoropolymers.
OVERALL: no demonstration of unacceptable risk & no recognition that fluoropolymers can be produced responsibly
FLUOROPOLYMERS: can be manufactured responsibly HFPO-DA=GenX polymerization aid
Note: By the end of September Chemours is publishing a significant update
About HFPO-DA (GenX technology) HFPO-DA has been developed as a safer alternative to other polymerization aids HFPO-DA is not consumed during the polymerisation process and is recovered, re-
used and recycled Polymerization aids only facilitate chemical processes and are not intended to be
part of the final product For technical reasons, some direct or diffuse emissions of processing aids into the
environment (air and water), cannot be excluded. The risks of direct and indirect emissions can be reduced through various filtering and chemical processing techniques, which have largely improved over the recent decades. HFPO-DA has some persistent and mobile properties but does not bioaccumulate in human tissues and is not classified for human health toxicity (non T) in the EU
HFPO-DA is only used in an industrial setting under permit conditions requiring the
application of best available techniques and minimization of emissions. No health risks are
expected for the local population
Responsible Manufacturing in the EU The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and Environment concluded that
there is "no health risk is expected for people living in the vicinity of the Chemours Dordrecht plant due to exposure" Erik Haverkort - Dutch MP (VVD): "Chemours can be seen as a cleaning company, as the water taken from the river has more PFAS than the water Chemours is emitting at the end", during a webinar on PFAS on April 6, 2023. These achievements are also reflected by the updated national permits, which are mostly at the limits of what is technically feasible:
8000 6000
Dordrecht (NL) permitted HFPO- DA emissions to air and water (kg/ year)
6400
To air
To water
4000 2000
0
660 2013
2035 450
2017
20 95 2020
4 2
2022
Preliminary assessment - May be subject to change
Fluoropolymers and F-Gases are used across sectors and are key to EU Initiatives and Policies
All sectors are connected, one sector cannot exist without the other Both FPs & F-Gases are key driver of the "Green Deal" (Upstream and Downstream) Both FPs & F-Gases are substances of necessity rather than choice
Construction Product
Regulation
Green Deal
Industrial Emissions Directive
Strategy for sustainable and smart
mobility
Common Agricultural
Policy
EU Industrial Strategy
Climate Law
Energy efficiency directive
Farm 2 Fork
Shaping Europe's digital Future
F-Gas Regulation
Applications in semiconductor manufacturing
PFA, PTFE, FKM, FFKM, AF, PFPE, HFCs, HFOs
SEMICON TOOLS
Valves, Fittings, Tubings Pumps, Filters Lubricants Valve seats Valve sealing Vacuum pump oil Etchant gas Pellicle mask Flow measurement Thermal management Heat transfer fluids
FEP, ETFE, HFCs, HFOs
INFRASTRUCTURE
Duct coating Air conditioning Humidity control Fire protrection
PFA, FKM
WAFER TRANSPORT
Wafer carrier FOUP sealing
PFA, PTFE, FEP, PVDF, FKM, FFKM, HFOs
CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Valves Fittings Heat exchanger/insulation Flow measurement
Tubing chemicals primary Tubing chemicals secondar containment Water system tubing Pumps
Filters Seals Electronic cleaners
PTFE, PFA
CHEMICAL PACKAGING
Container lining Drums Tanks lining
Applications in Data Centers
Electrical/Electronic Systems
Tapes, wires and cables Data cables Electrical connectors, insulators Sensors Displays, touch screens Anti-drip, easy clean, non-adhesive
additives for computers and other electronic devices Printed Circuit Boards
PFA, PTFE, FEP
Maintenance
HFCs, HFOs
Fiber optic end-face cleaners Defluxing and degreasing of
servers or server components
Fire protection of data centers
PFA, PTFE, FEP, HFOS
Equipment & Racks
Immersion cooling fluid Wire and cable Gaskets and seals
HFCs, HFOs
Air Conditioning & Cooling
Temperature and humidity control Air-cooled cabinets and direct
expansion systems
HFCs, HFOs, FEP
Construction
Building Foam Insulation - SPF
Unitary HVAC Equipment Foam Insulation
Data Cables
Applications in Medical
Medical devices and applications
Surgically implantable medical devices such as vascular grafts Surgical mesh Heart patches Catheters Carrier fluid for the deposition of lubricants on medical devices
and catheters Dielectric insulators in defibrillators, pacemakers Diaphragm pumps Membranes for filtering and venting purposes Sterile container filters, needle retrieval systems, Tracheosto,
catheter guide wire for laparoscopy, valves, fittings, pumps, tubing and medicine inhaler canister coatings Labware Medicine Packaging Items that need sterilization Metered Dose Inhalers
PTFE, FEP, PFA, ETFE, HFCs
Infrastructure
HFOs, HFCs
Transport and stationary refrigeration systems AC, heat pump, & humidity control for:
- Patient rooms - Special areas (OR, ICU, etc.) Thermal management for labs and equipment Refrigeration and insulation for Food Services and distribution of vaccines and pharmaceuticals Cleaning of supplemental oxygen systems for breathing air Foam insulation for cryogenic tanks Thermodynamic sanitary hot water tanks Fire protection
PTFE, FEP, PFA, FKM, PFPE, HFOs
Medical imaging & analysis
Semiconductor chips O-rings, gaskets, seals Coating for wire & cable Tapes, wires, and cables Bearings and assemblies Degreasing
Applications in Clean Energy
Renewable Energy Production
PTFE, FEP, ETFE, PFSA, FKM, PFPE
Photovoltaic front sheets protection Photovoltaic back sheets insulation Junction boxes in photovoltaic vents Control centers for offshore wind parks Wind turbine paints and coatings Release film: support production of
composite turbine blades esp. for offshore turbine PTFE bearings
Stationary & Mobility Fuel Cells
PFSA, FKM, PTFE
Ionomer exchange membranes for PEM fuel cells Gaskets and seals to prevent leaks and
environmental releases to reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere Binder materials in the electrodes Component of the gas diffusion layers (GDLs)
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External September 19, 2023
Chemours Confidential
Energy Storage
PFSA, FKM, PTFE
Ionomer exchange membranes for flow batteries
Gaskets and seals to prevent leaks and environmental releases to reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere
Binder materials in the electrodes
Hydrogen Production
PFSA, FKM, PTFE
Ionomer exchange membranes for PEM water electrolysers
Tubing fluid transfer in alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production systems
Binder materials in the electrodes Gaskets and seals to prevent leaks and
environmental releases to reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere
Applications in Chemical Production
Manufacturing and processing
PTFE, FEP, PFA, ETFE, FKM, PFPE, PFSA, FFKM
Valves
Ion Exchange membranes
Vessels
Instrumentation lining
Reactor vessel and agitator lining Filters
Lined pipes and fittings
Refrigeration machines coolant
Heat tracing
Bolts/washers
Seals
Data Wiring
Gaskets
Distillation column packaging
Pumps
Lubricants
HFCs, HFOs
1/2
Technical equipment
Propellants in degreasers, leak detectors, sealants, paints, drain openers
HFCs, HFOs, PTFE, FEP, PFA
Transport and distribution
Container lining Packaging AC cooling Very low temperature refrigeration
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
Diesel pump wire
ABS transmission brake
sensor wire
PTFE, FEP, PFPE, PFA, FKM
High tension ignition cable Battery terminal wire Convoluted wire harness conduit Cable tie wraps Xenon/bi-xenon headlight wire Throttle body injection wire ABS sensor cables Printed Circuit Boards
TRANSMISSION & TRANSAXLES
Internal shift seal ring/clutch piston ring Clutch pilot and release bearings Clutch bearing lip seals Dual mass flywheel replacement Auto ORC de-coupler for alternators Driveshaft: CV joint lubrication
PTFE, FKM, PFPE
ENGINE & POWERTRAIN
PTFE, FKM, PFPE
Head cylinder & oil pan gasket Transmission & crankshaft seals Valve stem seals Bearing lubrication Flexible O-ring & piston skirt coating Front engine accessory drive
Throttle body bearings & lubrication ETC lubrication Actuator assembly; valve belt tensioner Air intake manifold gaskets Turbocharger hoses EV binder for battery and seals
PTFE, FEP, ETFE, FKM
CHASSIS
PTFE, PFA, PFPE, FKM, HFCs, HFO
ABS interconnected hose Hydraulic break lines Impulse hose at wheel Brake pad clips, shim and wear
indicator Insulating foams and sound dampening Shock struts/absorber piston seals Dry Lubricant bearing door hinges
Axle seals Adhesives NVH busing - lubrication Steering ball bushing incl. lubrication Steering ball joint insert and shaft steering
splines Steering assist pump piston rings Cabin comfort and heating
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 o-rings Diaphragm pressure regulator Anti-expulsion tank valve Pressure injection bushing EV battery cooling
Applications in the Cold Chain
Foam
HFCs, HFOs
Insulated Transportation Shipping Containers / Railcar / Trailers - SPF Insulation
Walk-in Cooler Panels Reach-in Coolers High-End Residential Refrigerators High-End Commercial Refrigerators Refrigerated Warehouse - SPF Insulation Spa foam Insulation Water heater foam insulation Lining of valves, piping, tubing, filters, seals, gaskets and
other standard fluid handling components Lining of mixing vessels and tanks Coating on processing belts
Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
HFCs, HFOs
Refrigeration for food preservation (farm)
Industrial Ice Making (fishing vessels)
Refrigerated transport (truck/trailer)
Refrigerated transport (container - rail - ship)
Refrigeration for food processing (flash freezing, etc.) (Industry graphic bullet points excel)
Refrigerated Storage (warehouse) (Industry graphic
bullet points excel)
Refrigeration at point of sale (grocery, C-store) (Industry graphic bullet points excel)
Refrigeration for food/beverage retail (restaurant, bar) (Industry graphic bullet points excel)
Commercial Ice Making (Industry graphic bullet points excel)
Refrigeration - home appliances (Industry graphic bullet points excel)
AIRFRAME
PTFE, ETFE, FEP, FKM, HFCs, HFOs
Exterior surface coatings Toilet area galleys Overhead lockers Satellite dishes Aircraft wings covers Heat shrinkable protective covers Air bearings Electronic device trays Control surfaces Integral skin foams
Paint Replacement Film 3D printed and molded parts for
repair Packaging Sleeve items that require light
transmission Fasteners Fire prevention systems
ENGINE & SYSTEMS
O-rings, gaskets, seals Satellite propulsion systems Throttle box seals Arming components Engine and exhaust components Battery binders Battery separators
PTFE, FKM, PFPE, PVDF, HFCs, HFOs
Gears, and slides Oxygen systems (propulsion,
SCBA) Degreasing components and
landing gear Cabin comfort cooling and heating
PTFE, ETFE, FEP, FKM, HFCs, HFOs
FUEL SYSTEMS
Fuel lines and hoses Hydraulic systems Coating for wire & cable Tapes, wires, and cables Containment bags, bladders, and tanks Tank fuel seals and insulations Tank liners Tubing liners Fluid transfer devices
PTFE, FEP, ETFE, FKM, HFCs, HFOs
ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS
Tapes, wires, and cables Printed circuit boards Coating for wire & cable Electrical connectors,
insulators Flight control systems
Sensors O-rings, gaskets, seals Air bearings Electric harness parts Gears, and slides
Applications for Fluoropolymers & F-gases in Defense
Machinery
PFPE, PTFE, FEP, PFA , ETFE, HFCs, HFOs
See trucks and planes Battery binders Pneumatic cylinders Aircraft fuel pump systems Hydraulic systems Fuel tank insulations Integral skin foam seating to increase protection Degreasing of engine components and landing gear
Medium and heavy-duty vehicle AC Carrier fluid and lubricant deposition Lubricants
PTFE, HFCs, HFOs
Soldier
Protective garment Fireproof batteries
PTFE, PFA,ETFE,FEP, HFCs, HFOs
IT & Electronics
All communication devices, transportation and command centers - High Frequency Circuit boards - Radar Radome - Data Cabling - High performing batteries
Way Forward - Fluoropolymers
Fluoropolymers should get "no timelimited derogation" for manufacturing and use in applications in transportation, medical, electronics, semicon, hydrogen, communication, chemical and other industrial and professional applications
Condition: responsible manufacturing through abatement & mandatory end-of-life management (ALL manufacturers & downstream users)
Fluoropolymers and polymeric PFPEs: meet OECD criteria of low concern (PLCs), do not degrade and do not bio-accumulate (high molecular weight)
The largest share of fluoropolymers waste shall be thermally treated and mineralised - standards for waste management facilities shall be harmonised
State-of-the-art abatement technologies can reduce emissions of fluorinated organic compounds to a couple of kgs per year. Permits for Dordrecht facility for emission to air and water took abatement measures into account (around 35 kgs in 2021 vs 8 tons in 2013)
Industry - all EU manufacturers of Fluoropolymers commit to cut emissions
FPG Responsible Manufacturing Programme for European Manufacturing sites Since the 2021 adoption of the responsible manufacturing principles, all Fluoropolymer Products Group (FPG) members are engaged in concrete actions related to responsible fluoropolymer manufacturing practices.
The undersigned members of the Fluoropolymer Products Group (FPG) hereby commit to an industry Responsible Manufacturing Programme for European Manufacturing sites. The programme is comprised of three pillars:
1. A voluntary commitment to reduce non-polymeric PFAS emissions from our fluoropolymer manufacturing;
2. A platform to promote the adoption of commercially available state of the art technologies to minimise non-polymeric PFAS emissions in our manufacturing; and
3. A commitment to inform downstream users of fluoropolymers on their safe handling and use.
Way Forward - F-Gasses
Low Global Warming Potential F-Gasses (HFOs) should be derogated for key sectors applications (Heatpumps, Automotive, Blowing agents for insulation)
Condition: Mandatory recovery of F-gasses during life, periodic leak-checks, mandatory recovery end of life.
Enable recovery of F-gasses in the End of Life Vehicle Directive (mandatory recycling) and Harmonise leak checks for new vehicles during yearly maintenance control
Impose and enforce regular leak checks for heat pumps maintenance
Additional risk management measures
The implementation of the additional risk management measures mentioned above could be facilitated by a voluntary commitment which involves all actors of the F-gas supply chain, including manufacturers/importers, distributors, downstream users, research institutes and trade associations.
Establish a stakeholder platform involving such actors to develop measures such as the set-up of certification systems in a collaborative and constructive manner together with authorities and regulators.
Focus Area I. Automotive sector
Manufacturing of vehicles
Suppliers (Tier I. and II.)
Car manufacturers
OEM
Distribution and sales
After market services
Logistic companies and dealers
Maintenances, service,
inspection
End of Life
Recycling, safe disposal
Under Construction
I. To provide regulators with an additional option to consider beyond the proposed PFAS restriction, and to avoid potential restriction inflicting high societal cost and damage.
II. To increase transparency in the supply chain to further reduce the potential illegal trade of F-gases
III. To identify where emissions can be reduced from manufacturing to end of life/waste To facilitate the development of innovative measures, always with a view to further reduce the impact on the environment
IV. To develop independent authentication/certification through third parties (e.g.EU EMAS) Note: Some stakeholders are already ISO 14001:2015 certified, which is complementary to EMAS.
V. To develop voluntary initiatives to complement existing or future regulatory measures other than the proposed PFAS restriction
VI. To secure a `One Voice' for the European Commission and other EU decision-makers, through the value-chain
VII. To secure reuse, recycling and development of a circular economy VIII. To secure the green deal objectives in their entirety: from reduction of
energy consumption to the greening of solutions IX. To provide a neutral support for the entire industry to implement
guidelines and proposals developed by the platform, that will be made available to along the supply chain. X. To increase transparency in the supply chain where possible and pertinent through innovative and currently being developed measures such as "Digital twins" or similar
Thank you for your attention!
EUI OCU5_j
GROUP