Klinger weighs potential impact of PFAS ban on fluoropolymer seals

Gumpoldskirchen, Austria – Sealing products maker Klinger has issued a new assessment of the potential fallout of an EU ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

In its report issued 23 May, the Austrian manufacturer warned that restrictions on fluoropolymers, such as PTFE, could have serious consequences for the sealing industry.

Reviewing recent developments, Klinger noted that the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has yet to make a final decision on proposed PFAS restrictions, which could extend to gasket materials based on fluoropolymers.

With fluoropolymers widely used in gaskets for their chemical and temperature resistance, a ban would “cripple” the industry, explained the Austrian group.

For instance, said Alberto Rocca, business development manager for sealing products at Klinger Holding, only 20% of existing PTFE gaskets “could realistically be replaced in the near future.”

This is due to the fact that the fluoropolymer offers unique levels of temperature resistance, chemical resistance and “excellent adaptability to surface conditions.”

“Alternatives have consistently failed to meet at least one of these critical properties, making replacement impossible at this time,” noted Stephan Piringer, head of R&D at Klinger Dichtungstechnik.

Any ban, he said, would have a severe impact on industries, including clean energy, chemical production, and semiconductor manufacturing.

The European PFAS restriction proposal is still under review, with final decisions lying with political authorities.

With the political decision-making progresses slowly, Klinger said the sealing industry remained cautious about the regulatory landscape.

Current developments, according to the Austrian group, indicate that fluoropolymers may be treated differently for technically critical applications.

However, there are currently no viable alternatives to PTFE – a fact that is likely to weigh heavily in future decisions, it added.

Furthermore, the EU has set a target for the bloc to provide 20% of global semiconductor production by 2030, said Piringer, warning that “a PFAS ban could jeopardise this goal."