ECHA to consider impact of PFAS ban on seals

EUROPE: The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is to consider the impact of PFAS bans on the use of fluoropolymers in the manufacture of vital RACHP components like seals and gaskets.

The announcement is contained in the latest update to the progress of assessments being undertaken into European PFAS ban proposals submitted by Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Denmark. The ban proposals identify a group of more than 4,700 chemicals which also includes most HFC and HFO refrigerants. 

The latest update acknowledges the considerations given to the more than 5,600 comments received from interested third parties during 2023, which has helped the ECHA to identify uses that were not previously specifically named.

Examples of newly identified PFAS uses include “sealing applications”, defined by the ECHA as “a broad range of fluoropolymer uses in consumer, professional and industrial applications, including seals, pipe lining, gaskets, valve parts, etc”.

The announcement has been welcomed by ASERCOM, the European air conditioning and refrigeration component manufacturers association.

“We are particularly encouraged by the explicit recognition of fluoropolymers in sealing applications as a distinct subgroup within the updated sector assessments,” said ASERCOM president Marco Masini. 

“Sealing applications represent a critical use of fluoropolymers in the RACHP industry, where their unique properties – such as chemical resistance, temperature stability and low friction – are indispensable for ensuring the durability, safety and efficiency of compressors and RACHP systems.”

In addition to sealing applications, ASERCOM emphasises the importance of maintaining access to other vital PFAS-based applications in the RACHP industry. It lists bearings which are crucial for reducing friction and wear in compressors, cable and wiring insulation essential for the safety and reliability of internal electrical components, as well as the electronics components themselves, such as printed circuit boards and capacitors.

“The RACHP solutions operate under extreme conditions, including high pressure and temperature fluctuations and chemical exposure,” ASERCOM said. “PFAS-based materials nowadays play a very important role in overcoming these challenges. Their use significantly contributes to the energy efficiency, sustainability and longevity of RACHP systems, aligning with the industry’s goals of minimising environmental impact.”

ASERCOM says it supports a “balanced regulatory approach” that acknowledges the importance of these applications while exploring “feasible alternatives and minimising emissions”.

Further restrictions

The ECHA has also revealed that consideration is also being given to whether restriction options other than a ban may achieve the regulatory aims. 

“The additional information brought forward in the 2023 consultation is also resulting in consideration being given to whether restriction options other than a ban may achieve the regulatory aim to significantly reduce the PFAS emissions throughout their life cycle, in addition to the need for appropriate derogations,” the ECHA states. 

“This assessment is particularly relevant for those uses and sectors for which information was provided to demonstrate that the socioeconomic impacts of a ban are likely to be disproportionate (for example because technical substitution is currently not foreseeable). It also helps to improve the practicality of the restriction proposal for specific applications.”

Assessments

The impact of a PFAS ban is currently being considered, sector by sector, by the ECHA’s committees for risk assessment (RAC) and for socio-economic analysis (SEAC). Considerations on the impact of the applications of fluorinated gases are to begin shortly.

“The opinion development work will further progress during 2025 and will lead to an opinion of the RAC and a draft opinion of the SEAC,” the ECHA update states. “A consultation will be held afterwards on the draft opinion of the SEAC. This will provide an opportunity for all interested third parties to provide relevant information regarding socio economic aspects to be considered in the final SEAC opinion.”

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