Catalyzing the Market Transition Away from PFAS

Catalyzing the Market Transition away from PFAS 

A key aspect for improving the global situation with PFAS contamination is to, as far as possible, limit the production and use of these substances in new products.

In order for this to happen there is a need for a market transition where PFAS is replaced by safer alternatives. While this transition is fueled by the discussions and proposals for stricter regulations, legislation is also easier and quicker implemented if there are clear signs that the market can manage such a transition. In other words, regulation and market transitions are closely interlinked.

The market transition is also driven by the increased requirements on PFAS-free products from customers, from the supply chain and also from the investment community.

ChemSec is an environmental NGO, based in Sweden and since 2002 working for a non-toxic environment. The last couple of years we have worked to catalyze the market transition away from PFAS in several ways:  

• We have created a network of more than 100 companies, the PFAS movement, that support a broad ban of PFAS. These are companies that have phased out PFAS, who have never used PFAS or who are in the process of phasing out PFAS.

• As part of the research project ZeroPM we have created a “PFAS guide”. The PFAS guide aims at facilitating the first step in PFAS substitution. From our work with companies, we have learned that it is often difficult for downstream users to find information about if there is PFAS in their products. The PFAS guide holds a database on uses where PFAS could be expected to be found. It also provides basic guidance and information about different aspects of PFAS.

• We have made information about alternatives to PFAS available through our website ChemSec Marketplace, where companies can advertise alternative products and connect with new suppliers or customers. This is an ongoing work, which is also part of the ZeroPM project.

• We have coordinated a group of 50+ institutional investors representing over 11 trillion USD of assets. This Investor Initiative on Hazardous Chemicals (IIHC), explicitly asks chemical companies to phase out forever chemicals. 

These and other activities aiming at facilitating the market transition from PFAS will be presented and discussed.