Dear AMPP Colleagues,
On February 7, 2023, ECHA (the EU regulatory equivalent to the US-EPA) released a draft Dossier that advocates for the eventual ban of all per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) (incl. Fluoropolymers and Fluoroelastomers) starting within the next few years. Please see attached links: https://echa.europa.eu/-/echa-publishes-pfas-restriction-proposal and https://echa.europa.eu/da/restrictions-under-consideration/-/substance-rev/72301/term (Annex XV report).
As you know, fluoropolymers provide excellent chemical (corrosion) resistance, have unique material properties, and have high thermal resistance. A board system wide ban of all fluoropolymers in the EU market would complicate life. While it is theoretically possible to replace all fluoropolymers with exotic metallics and/or ceramics there will be significant technical and commercial costs associated with such as endeavor.
Depending upon the response to the proposed PFAS ban in the EU Market, it is highly possible that equivalent regulatory policies could be adopted in the US Market and elsewhere.
Beginning on March 22, 2023, ECHA will initiate a six-month public consultation period, where all stakeholders will be allowed to respond to the proposed regulations.
Considering recent activities, this might be an important topic to discuss at the AMPP 2023 Annual Conference:
1. 1. How the proposed regulations will affect our industry.
2. 2. How it might shift the focus of future corrosion research for the next decade.
Sincerely,
Brent
------------------------------
Brent Sherar
Flowserve
Spring TX
+12819611283
------------------------------