PFAS Ban in the EU: Sustainable Solutions from Buser – Regardless of the Outcome of the Ban Proceedings

At Buser Oberflächentechnik, we are already prepared for the future: With our PFAS-free coatings, we offer sustainable PFAS alternatives that meet the high standards of our customers. Regardless of how the regulatory framework develops, we remain a reliable partner for high-quality and environmentally friendly coating technologies.

PFAS and Their Applications

PFAS (Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) are a group of chemicals used in a wide range of products and industries due to their water-, grease-, and dirt-repellent properties. These substances have been popular for decades because they are durable and versatile. They are frequently used in:

• Easy-to-clean cookware: Non-stick coatings for pans and pots, making cooking and cleaning easier.
• Outdoor clothing: Water- and dirt-repellent clothing suitable for outdoor use.
• Food packaging: Grease-resistant packaging that prevents oil or fat from seeping through the material.
• Furniture: Stain-resistant fabrics that simplify the cleaning and care of furniture.
• Electronics: Used in camera lenses and other components to ensure water- and dust-repellent properties.
• Medical products: Water-repellent textiles and special coatings for medical devices.
• Cleaning products: Microfiber cloths and cleaning products valued for their grease- and water-repellent properties.
• Foam extinguishers: Firefighting foam used to combat fires, particularly oil and gasoline fires.
• Household products: Sprays for impregnation and protective products that make surfaces water- and dirt-repellent.
• Technology: Used in hydrogen electrolysis to meet specific technical requirements.

Ban on Non-Stick Coating with Teflon? Why a Differentiated View of Fluoropolymers is Important

Fluoropolymers, a subgroup of PFAS, often have a bad reputation in public discussions. It is essential to emphasize that not all fluoropolymers are environmentally harmful. In fact, 96% of fluoropolymers meet the OECD criteria for “polymers of low concern,” meaning they are classified as low environmental risk. These fluoropolymers are stable, durable, and pose no significant risk to the environment.

An example is PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) – also known as Teflon – which is commonly used in non-stick coatings. It is chemically inert, meaning it hardly reacts with other substances and remains stable in its environment. Such fluoropolymers are valuable materials for numerous industrial applications where durability and resilience are critical.

The safety of PFAS compounds largely depends on chain length. Short chains with fewer than 15 carbon atoms are particularly mobile and can accumulate in the environment and the human body. This mobility and bioaccumulation potential make such substances problematic. In contrast, fluoropolymers have a chain length of over 200,000 carbon atoms, making them insoluble in water. Due to their size, they are not bioaccumulative and cannot be metabolized by the human body, making them non-toxic.

PFAS-Free Coatings from Buser Oberflächentechnik

At Buser Oberflächentechnik, we focus on environmentally friendly and innovative coating technologies that offer the highest quality even without PFAS.
We remain a reliable partner regardless of the development of the PFAS ban legislation and already offer a wide range of PFAS-free coating solutions that meet the highest quality and environmental standards.

Our PFAS-free products:

• Sol-Gel Coatings: These innovative coatings combine inorganic and organic components to create a durable and heat-resistant surface. Ideal for applications requiring protection and longevity.
• Silicone/Epoxy Coatings: Silicone and epoxy resins provide flexible yet durable coatings, designed especially for protection against chemical influences and ease of cleaning.
• Ceramic 3K Coating Systems: These three-component ceramic coatings offer exceptional hardness and abrasion resistance, making them ideal for high-wear surfaces.
• Resin-Bonded Sliding Coatings: Specially developed to minimize friction, these coatings ensure smooth operation and extend the service life of mechanical components.

Our experts are always available to help you find the best solution for your requirements. Contact us now to learn more about our sustainable alternatives.