Product compliance expert recommends companies look for alternatives

Weilrod, March 17, 2023 — PFAS chemicals are a hot topic at the moment. Hardly a day goes by when they are not mentioned in the media. So, what exactly are PFAS chemicals, and what is the problem? PFAS is the abbreviation for per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances. These are industrially produced organic chemical compounds made of carbon, hydrogen, and fluorine. Many of these compounds—of which there are several thousand—are suspected of being harmful to health. And they are persistent, meaning they do not degrade, or only degrade with difficulty, and accumulate in the environment. They are, therefore, often referred to as “forever chemicals” or “the poisons of the century.” However, because of their dirt- and water-repellent properties and their high stability at both very high and low temperatures, PFAS chemicals are used in many products. They are found, for example, in outdoor clothing, cooking pans, car seats, paper coatings, cosmetic products, and in agents used to surface treat metals and plastics.

EU reviews ban on PFAS

So far, only the production and marketing of individual substances such as PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid, C8) and, since February 25, 2023, perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFNA, PFDA, PFUnDA, PFDoDA, PFTrDA, PFTeDA) have been restricted throughout the EU. Together with Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden, Germany has submitted a proposal to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to ban PFAS chemicals completely in the EU. Their goal is to reduce PFAS emissions into the environment and make products and processes safer for people. The six-month consultation period begins on March 22. To that end, the ECHA is running an information session for all stakeholders on April 5, which will be streamed on the EUchemicals YouTube channel. Possible restrictions could come into force from 2025. However, there will likely be transition periods, ranging from 18 months to 12 years.

Alternatives can offer competitive advantages

Consumer products can already be labeled as PFAS-free, using eco-labels such as the Blue Angel or other country-specific eco-labels, but this is very rare. In most cases, it is not possible to know if a product contains PFAS. “Companies that look at using alternatives to PFAS chemicals will now have a competitive advantage if the ban is introduced,” explains product compliance expert Markus Engel from imds professional. He advises companies to check whether the use of these chemicals is actually necessary and to investigate whether they can be replaced in the short term. “Due to all the media attention, consumers are sensitized and pay even more attention than they usually do to sustainable products that do not harm their health or the environment,” Engel continues. As a company specializing in product compliance, imds professional focuses on helping companies meet the necessary requirements for material and product conformity and ensuring they fulfill their reporting obligations. The company’s team of compliance experts has compiled extensive and detailed information on a wide variety of legal requirements such as REACH and on data management systems that ensure accurate and timely communication along the supply chain. This information can be found on their website www.imds-professional.com. imds professional also offers training courses as well as advice and practical support on a wide variety of compliance topics.

About imds professional:

imds professional provides a range of solutions to help companies remain in full control of their materials and product compliance obligations. We offer three core services: consulting, support, and training. These services can be customized to ensure your company fully complies with all types of environmental legislation, directives, and guidelines. Our unbiased, targeted advice, customized services, and training courses ensure you remain competitive in the face of increasing regulatory requirements. Small to medium-sized operations and businesses throughout the world from the manufacturing and processing sector have been relying on our expertise since 1999. Further information can be found on www.imds-professional.com