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Fluoropolymer manufacturers in Europe commit to the highest industry standards for manufacturing worldwide Press release Brussels, 21 September 2023 - The Fluoropolymers Product Group (FPG), a product group part of Plastics Europe, representing the world's leading fluoropolymer manufacturers, today announces the launch of a new Manufacturing Programme for European manufacturing sites. The industry-led initiative goes further than current European Union requirements, effectively setting the highest standards for fluoropolymer manufacturing worldwide. With this programme, FPG members provide concrete solutions to address legitimate questions and concerns about emissions generated during the manufacturing of fluoropolymers, which are essential for the EU's green and digital transitions. This programme includes a concrete commitment to minimize emissions of non-polymeric PFAS residues from polymerization aids to the environment from fluoropolymer manufacturing by the following FPG member companies: AGC, Arkema, Chemours, Daikin Chemical Europe, W. L. Gore & Associates and Solvay. The commitment reflects the concrete actions of the individual FPG members in the past years aimed at ensuring that fluoropolymers, which underpin many critical parts of our economy, from semiconductors to fuel cells and EV battery components are produced responsibly, with the lowest possible emissions using the best available technologies. The companies' efforts in implementing these best available technologies have led today to the launch of a joint commitment with the implementation of the programme at the industry level to begin no later than 31 December 2023. The programme comprises three pillars, specifically (further details can be found here): 1. An industry-led commitment to achieve Average Emissions Factors for non-polymeric PFAS residues from polymerisation aid technology that is used in the fluoropolymer manufacturing process; By end 2024: 0.009% to air; 0.001% to water By end 2030: 0.003% to air; 0.0006% to water 2. A platform to promote the adoption of commercially available state-of-the-art technologies to minimize non-polymeric PFAS emissions in manufacturing; and, 3. A commitment to inform downstream users of fluoropolymers on their safe handling and use in the Guide for the Safe Handling of Fluoropolymer Resins. "This Manufacturing Programme demonstrates that our industry delivers when it comes to the best possible emissions control. We are going well beyond legal requirements and in doing so will ensure that fluoropolymer production in the EU sets a new benchmark for the industry globally. We have listened to concerns and feedback from stakeholders and are working hard to find solutions. We are committed to working closely with regulators and our value chain to ensure any emissions from fluoropolymers are adequately controlled across their lifecycle. Fluoropolymers underpin many strategic technologies, and this programme has been developed to support their ongoing use as critical and responsible enablers of our economies", stated Nicolas Robin, Director of the Fluoropolymers Product Group. Ae PLASTICS r% EUROPE Enabling a sustainable future Fluoropolymers Product Group By the end of 2024, the first emissions reduction targets will come into effect and members will work individually with their national authorities in relation to local sites. To ensure additional transparency, accountability and supervision of the implementation of the FPG Manufacturing Programme an exchange forum with key stakeholders including regulators and civil society will be established. The exchange forum will meet formally twice per year, with the first meeting planned for September 2024. For further information please contact Nicolas Robin, Director of the Fluoropolymers Product Group. Nicolas Robin, Director of the Fluoropolymers Product Group +32 (0) 2 792 30 41 I (dlasticseurope.orq About Fluoropolymers Fluoropolymers are a distinct subset of fluorinated polymers, with unique properties that cannot be guaranteed by other polymers. They are used in critical applications that help deliver strategic EU and UN climate objectives, are an enabler of the European Green Deal, the Net Zero Industry Act, the Critical Raw Materials Act, the EU Chips Act, the Hydrogen Strategy and the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy and are central to the EU's strategic autonomy agenda. Fluoropolymers have been proven safe during their intended use phase. Although they fit the PFAS structural definition, as described by the OECD, they have very different physical, chemical, environmental, and toxicological properties. Fluoropolymers have documented safety profiles and are thermally, biologically, and chemically stable, negligibly soluble in water, nonmobile, nonbioavailable, nonbioaccumulative, and non-toxic. An in depth-assessment of eighteen different fluoropolymers accounting for approximately 96% of the global commercial fluoropolymer market against thirteen widely accepted polymer hazard assessment criteria, showed that these polymers are of low concern (PLC) and pose no significant risk to human health and the environment. About Fluoropolymers Product Group The Fluoropolymers Product Group represents Europe's leading fluoropolymer producers and experts. With a unique set of properties unobtainable by other polymers, fluoropolymers are non-replaceable across many key sectors and applications. Fluoropolymers ensure safety, reliability, durability and performance in numerous technologies, industrial processes and everyday products that are critical for human health, safety and the environment. We are committed to promoting innovation, safe use of their products, sustainable manufacturing and stewardship across the industry for all our products. As the voice of the industry across Europe, the Fluoropolymers Product Group advocates for a balanced regulatory environment based on scientific facts to ensure that European industries remain competitive and sustainable. A product group of PlasticsEurope, FPG members are 3M, AGC, Arkema, Chemours, Daikin Chemical Europe, W. L. Gore & Associates and Solvay. Associate members are DuPont, Gujarat Fluorochemicals, Honeywell and HE Plastics.