8 May, 2025

PFAS: the new European regulation and its direct impact on technical plastics

On 5 May 2025, the European Union announced that it has completed preparatory work for a future complete ban of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer products within the EU market.
These compounds, known as ‘everlasting chemicals’ because of their persistence in the environment, are present in thousands of everyday articles and mark a new turning point for many industrial sectors, including technical plastics.

In addition, just this week, the European Environment Agency (EEA) published a report warning that many PFASs considered ‘safe’ pose relevant risks to human health and the climate. These findings reinforce the proposal by Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, which have pushed for a global restriction on the use of PFASs in the EU. The proposal, currently under evaluation by ECHA (European Chemicals Agency), states that their use will only be allowed in technically justified cases and when there are no viable alternatives.

In addition to the momentum led by these five countries, France has taken a firm step of its own: in February 2025 it passed a law banning the manufacture, import and sale of PFAS products in cosmetics, clothing and ski waxes from 2026, and in all textiles by 2030 (with the exception of professional protective clothing). It has also introduced an environmental charge of 100 euros for every 100 grams of PFAS spilled. With this measure, France is at the forefront of PFAS regulation in Europe.

Industrial sectors undergoing transformation

The measure will directly affect strategic industrial sectors, such as textiles, electrical and packaging, due to the widespread use of these compounds in the manufacture of non-stick pans, food packaging, waterproof clothing or resistant coatings. The envisaged ban could radically transform the way in which a large number of products now found in virtually every European household are produced.

Environmental and health risks of PFASs in engineering plastics

PFASs have for years been indispensable allies in technical plastics: they offer thermal resistance, chemical resistance and highly valued hydrophobic properties. They are present in coatings, packaging, additives and fluoropolymers for demanding applications. The problem? Precisely their strength: they are so stable that they do not degrade easily, accumulating in the environment… and in our bodies. Science has already warned of their effects on health and their difficult elimination at the end of the product’s life cycle.

What about flame retardants?

In parallel to the review of PFASs, many traditional flame retardants, especially those containing halogens (such as bromine or chlorine), are also under review. Although they have been effective for decades, their toxicity – especially when burned or recycled – makes them candidates for elimination. The consequence? Many formulations will have to be reinvented, especially those that combine halogens and PFASs in their structure.

In addition, some flame retardants contain PFASs, especially those used in flame retardant textiles or technical foams. This means that many formulations have to be replaced not only because they contain halogens, but also because they incorporate PFAS as part of their chemical structure.

Therefore, both regulations and large OEMs (end-product manufacturers) are promoting the use of halogen-free and PFAS-free retardants, which are safer and compatible with the circular economy.

At Guztec Polymers, we see a clear convergence: new formulations are looking for fire safety, but also safety for the environment and health.

Are you evaluating the removal of PFAS from your products? Request information

PFAS- and halogen-free materials: solutions now available

The technical polymers industry has been anticipating this regulatory scenario for some time, and real alternatives to PFAS or halogenated retardant materials are now available.

Manufacturers such as SABIC have developed and brought to market resins with no intentionally added PFAS and no halogens, with performance comparable to – and in some cases even superior to – traditional grades. These solutions meet new requirements in terms of sustainability, recyclability and human health, without compromising thermal and mechanical resistance and fire protection.

In addition, some traditional PFAS-based additives, such as PTFE used for internal lubrication or anti-drip in flame retardant materials, are already being replaced by technologies such as LUBRILOY™ (developed by SABIC), which allows maintaining the technical performance in terms of wear, friction or thermal stability, without the need of resorting to fluorinated compounds.

The value proposition of Guztec Polymers

At Guztec Polymers we work with a portfolio of technical materials adapted to this transition:

PC, PC/ABS, PBT and POM grades, reinforced and non-reinforced.
UL94 V-0, RoHS, REACH, and f1 listing certifications
Suitable for demanding applications in electronics, automotive, lighting, or electrical enclosures

It is not only about complying with regulations, but also about redesigning safer and more sustainable products, with a vision for the future.

At Guztec Polymers we are committed to a technical transition

We firmly believe that the future does not lie in giving up plastic, but in better selecting its ingredients, understanding its behaviour and designing with broader criteria: functional, regulatory and environmental.

That is why we already work with certified PFAS- and halogen-free materials, such as SABIC’s resins for PC, PC/ABS, PBT or PPE, which meet flame retardancy requirements, European standards, and offer real solutions for complex technical applications.

Our role is to accompany our customers in this process, providing clear information, objective technical comparison and viable proposals, whether the objective is to adapt to a future regulation or to get a head start in the market.

5 FAQs

Which products use PFAS? Frying pans, waterproof jackets, food packaging, technical textiles and even electrical cables may contain PFAS in their coatings.
What does it mean for a material to be ‘PFAS-free’? It means that no PFAS have been intentionally added in its formulation, and that it complies with new sustainability and health standards.
Are all flame retardants under review? Not all, but many of the halogenated ones are. More recycling-friendly alternatives are being promoted.
Is it already mandatory to change PFAS materials? Not yet, but the regulations are well advanced. Anticipating the situation avoids production stoppages or emergency redesigns.
What alternatives does Guztec Polymers offer? Technical resins (PC, PC/ABS, PBT, POM…) without PFAS or halogens, with demanding certifications and ready for sectors such as automotive, electronics or lighting.