PFAS have been a major topic of media attention recently due to the European ban on over 10,000 substances. In addition to toxic and highly volatile substances, ECHA’s current project also includes a ban on products that have become an indispensable part of everyday life and industry. These include fluoropolymers and fluoroelastomers such as PTFE, FKM, FVMQ, and FFKM.
GITIS is aware of the growing concern about PFAS chemicals and is taking steps to eliminate them. We are currently in the process of converting all our compounds to a polymer base produced without fluorinated surfactants, known as FSFP compounds. This step is an important part of our sustainability strategy and helps reduce our environmental impact. We are committed to working with our customers to ensure a smooth transition. The importance of a stable supply chain is at the heart of our business. Therefore, we have developed a comprehensive plan to support the transition and secure supply. Our internal activities began in March 2023, and we are now nearing the end of this transition. Many compounds are already based on the modified polymerization technology, while other classes will not complete the transition before 2026, depending on the type. Classic materials with a higher fluorine content or low-temperature materials, according to our technical documentation (Technology Guide), are already available. With the FSFP compound technology, we will keep our promise to the market to support our customers with the best sealing technology.
Based on the results, we do not expect any changes in the overall performance of the materials. It should also be noted that PFAS substances in polymer production are a common problem for polymer companies. The substances used as surfactants are no longer found in the finished product, as they escape during tempering. However, this does not mean “PFAS-free,” but simply that polymer manufacturers do not use PFAS in their production.
FKM/FFKM are generally not interchangeable as sealing materials! However, in individual cases, specific alternatives (chemical/temperature resistance) may be considered.
Contact us directly; we already have some good solutions.
