The study on uses of PFAS in chemical manufacturing plant equipment, commissioned by Cefic to the consultancy Accenture, provides an inventory of such uses across the chemicals value chain, takes stock of progress on alternatives, and assesses economic impacts based on three different scenarios of possible PFAS restrictions.
Key messages:
• For many use types PFAS are critical for ensuring operational safety and reliability in chemical plants.
• While some alternatives exist, so far none fully replicate the combined chemical, thermal, and mechanical performance of PFAS, meaning substitution would require case-by-case assessment.
• Restricting PFAS in manufacturing plant equipment without viable alternatives could lead to substantial increases in costs, operational risks, and even plant closures or relocations, impacting the competitiveness of the European chemical industry