Document rp1OZb8RzZdD48jeQn6qajm4e

Name of the company: Hirschmann Automation and Control GmbH and Belden Deutschland GmbH Date: 04.09.2023 Hirschmann Automation and Control GmbH (HAC)/ Belden Deutschland GmbH (BD): HAC and BD are subsidiaries of the American Belden Group. The focus of both companies is on automation and network technology. HAC's core competence lies in high-performance routers and switches, which must fulfill full functionality even under extreme conditions, as they are professional devices for data acquisition, processing and handling (data orchestration). Corresponding professional connectors with special industrial connections, which secure the data transmission between the devices, are developed and manufactured by BD. The products of both companies are used coupled with each other. They are used not only in data centers and in automation plants (quality checks, data collection from robotic equipment in the automotive and food manufacturing sectors), but also in process automation such as oil platforms, chemical plants, to control pipelines, but also in the energy sector, such as the control of a wind farm. Likewise, the products are strongly represented in the transportation sector (onboard and train-toground communication as well as in shipping). Especially in the last two areas we see our work also as a great contribution to the European Green Deals. Due to the broad, professional field of application of the product portfolio under extreme, diverse conditions, we would like to offer our customers a solution that is as uncomplicated and widely applicable as possible. If possible, this should cover all eventualities, since many complex conditions interact in field applications. With the help of fluoroelastomers, we can thus guarantee the leak tightness of our products even under extreme conditions, such as different atmospheres (mineral oils, alkalis, acids, UV ) and strong temperature fluctuations. PTFE, used in articles requiring special protection against mechanical wear, is also an excellent protection in terms of chemical resistance with very good insulating performance. Electronic components also contain fluoropolymers. Some of these components have alternative manufacturers without fluoropolymers, but require at least one exemption in the EU RoHS. This severely limits long-term planning, since RoHS exemptions are always limited in time and generally attempts are made to use components of all types without exemptions. Therefore, as a fluoropolymer consumer who sells end products, we would like to advocate for an exemption for fluoropolymers. Of course, we are reviewing our portfolio for possible alternatives and will limit the use of fluoropolymers as much as possible.