PFAS Ban in the EU: What It Means for Your Production

What are PFAS and Why is the EU Banning Them

PFAS — an abbreviation for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, a class of over 10,000 chemical compounds containing stable hydrocarbon chains with fluorine atoms. These "forever chemicals" possess unique properties: exceptional resistance to heat, moisture, and oils. This is why they have become indispensable in industrial applications — from fluorescent coatings to water-repellent agents.

SVK began reformulating to PFAS-free products in 2021 — long before the official ban. Today, 85% of our SVK-Cool line is already PFAS-free. However, due to this very stability, PFAS do not decompose in nature for decades, accumulate in water and soil, and enter food chains and the human body. Research links the presence of PFAS in blood to reproductive problems, hormonal disorders, and immunodeficiency (more details in the European Environment Agency report).

In 2023, five EU countries (Denmark, Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, and Norway) submitted a joint request to ECHA to ban all PFAS that can be replaced by alternatives. The regulatory process takes 3–5 years, but a significant part of the industry is already voluntarily transitioning to PFAS-free formulas — both in response to expectations and due to pressure from buyers in Europe and the USA.

Where PFAS are Used in Industrial Chemistry

PFAS are "invisible" components, often hidden in complex industrial fluid formulations. The most common applications include:

Metalworking Fluids (MWF)

PFAS are used as anti-foaming additives and anti-adhesion agents in synthetic and semi-synthetic MWFs. They prevent foam formation during high-speed milling and grinding. Replacement requires reformulating the foaming system — a non-trivial task, especially for synthetic MWFs with extreme parameters. Read about choosing boron-free and PFAS-free MWFs in the guide "How to Choose MWF for a CNC Machine".

More details on the transition to boron-free formulas can be found in the article "Boron-Free MWF: Why the EU is Transitioning".

Hydraulic Fluids

Fluorinated surfactants are used in high-fire-resistant hydraulics (HFDU, HFDR), where flame resistance is required. This is especially critical in the mining industry and aviation energy.

Protective and Dehydrating Fluids

PFAS in protective oils provide a reliable water-repellent barrier on metal surfaces. Especially popular for long-term storage of equipment for export and in marine conditions.

Specialized Coatings

Non-stick coatings for cookware, protective coatings for textiles and leather may also contain PFAS as components that provide water resistance and weather resistance.

Firefighting Foams

PFAS in complex firefighting foams have long been under restriction, but in some specialized applications (airports, military facilities), they are still used.

Regulation Implementation Schedule

The PFAS ban process in the EU proceeds in several critical stages:

2023–2024: Evaluation of expert committee recommendations, consultations with industry. This is the period when you should begin auditing your own formulations to determine the PFAS content in your portfolio.

2024–2026: Official EU regulation proposal. For requirements for household chemicals for export to the EU, see our regulatory guide. Entry into force with a transition period of 18–24 months for existing stocks and production lines. This period is critical for starting industrial-scale testing of replacements.

2026–2029: Final withdrawal of PFAS-containing products from the market. By this time, you should have a fully prepared alternative product line with all necessary certifications and validation status.

However, it is worth noting: if you export products to Scandinavia, Germany, or France, where the regulatory model is stricter, you may already face requests from buyers for PFAS-free certification in 2025–2026.

Which Industries Will Be Most Affected by PFAS Restrictions

Industries most dependent on PFAS in their core processes should begin the transition immediately:

• Metalworking and Forging: MWFs for heavy operations, protective oils for tools and blanks
• Aviation Energy and Automotive: Hydraulic fluids, heat-resistant lubricants, and specialized coatings
• Chemical Industry: Foaming agents, stabilizers in complex syntheses, and technical fluids
• Textile Manufacturing: Water-repellent treatments for specialized fabrics
• Food Industry: Oils for kitchen equipment, protective coatings, and contact materials

Smaller industries not dependent on PFAS will have a competitive advantage during the transition years.

Step-by-Step: How to Audit Your Formulations Right Now

Start with what you know for sure, using a systematic approach:

Step 1: Request complete Technical Data Sheets (TDS) from your raw material suppliers with a section on PFAS. Many suppliers already indicate the presence or absence of PFAS in their materials. If the information is insufficient, request additional analyses and certificates.

Step 2: Identify the most susceptible formulas for reformulation. First in line are the most popular products that are exported or used in the production of critical equipment. These will be the first ones on which buyers will exert pressure.

Step 3: Begin negotiations with suppliers for alternatives. Request PFAS-free options for existing components. In 2024–2025, most large chemical companies have already developed such alternatives — they are awaiting demand from manufacturers like you.

Step 4: Plan detailed formula testing: Developing and validating alternative formulations will definitely require 6–12 months. In our experience at SVK, the most challenging stage is reproducing anti-foaming properties without fluoropolymers: the first 20 iterations of the formula usually do not yield satisfactory results. This is not a quick process. Not only laboratory tests are needed, but also industrial trials on your equipment and verification of compliance with all customer technical specifications.

Strategy for a Successful Transition to PFAS-Free Alternatives

This is not a simple "one-to-one" replacement — the transition requires a systematic and strategic approach.

Parallel Product Development

Develop a PFAS-free variant in parallel with the existing product. This allows you to assess the competitive advantages of the alternative and avoid disrupting supplies in the event of a sudden ban.

Extended Validation with Key Customers

Once you have 2–3 promising alternatives, offer your key customers free testing. They need to determine if the new product will meet their requirements. This stage takes 2–4 months, but it is here that you will receive critical feedback for optimization.

Active Branding as a Competitive Advantage

PFAS-free is becoming a competitive advantage in the market. If your new product is truly better or at least equivalent — highlight this clearly. Customers, especially from the EU, are already willing to pay a premium for confirmation of compliance with new standards.

FAQ

What are PFAS in simple terms?

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a class of over 10,000 chemical compounds with fluorine atoms that do not decompose in nature for decades. They are called "forever chemicals." They are used as anti-foaming, water-repellent, and anti-adhesion components in industrial fluids.

When will PFAS be completely banned in the EU?

The complete withdrawal of PFAS-containing products from the EU market is planned for 2026-2029. However, Scandinavian countries and Germany are already requiring PFAS-free certification. If you export to the EU, you need to start preparing today.

Can a PFAS component in a formula simply be replaced?

No, this is not a simple "one-to-one" replacement. The transition requires reformulating the foaming and anti-adhesion system, laboratory testing (6-12 months), and industrial validation on customer equipment. It is recommended to develop a PFAS-free variant in parallel with the existing product.

Which industries will be most affected by the PFAS ban?

The most dependent on PFAS are: metalworking (MWFs for heavy operations), aviation energy (hydraulic fluids), chemical industry (foaming agents), and textile manufacturing (water-repellent treatments). Industries without PFAS dependence will gain a competitive advantage.

How SVK Helps Your Transition to PFAS-Free Solutions

SVK has been developing industrial fluids for metalworking, forging, and surface treatment for over 30 years. Today, most of the SVK-Cool line consists of PFAS-free formulas, developed taking into account European regulatory practices and customer requirements.

Our laboratory is ready to assist you in critical aspects of the transition:

• Conduct a detailed audit of existing formulations for the presence of PFAS and risk level
• Develop PFAS-free alternatives for your critical processes with full technical support and documentation
• Test new formulas both in controlled laboratory conditions and on an industrial scale on your equipment
• Prepare documentation for regulatory bodies and buyers with proof of compliance

Contact us right now — let's start preparing your production for changes in regulation. Fill out the form on svk.ua or contact our technologist to discuss your specific situation and develop an individual plan for transitioning to PFAS-free solutions for your company.

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Read also:

• How to Choose MWF for a CNC Machine: A Complete Guide
• Boron-Free MWF: Why the EU is Transitioning and What It Offers
• Graphite Lubricants for Forging: How to Choose and Optimize
• Requirements for Household Chemicals for Export to the EU