PFAS, which stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a diverse group of chemicals that include PFCAs, PFOA, PFSAs, PFHxS, and thousands of others. These chemicals have been in commercial production since the 1950s and are now widely used in consumer and industrial applications. One characteristic of PFAS is their persistence in the environment, as they are extremely resistant to degradation. PFAS have emerged as contaminants of global concern because of their potential to accumulate in the human body and food chains. On 12-13 February 2024, a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, industry, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and academics came together to discuss various topics related to PFAS. These topics covered areas such as country risk management approaches, innovation challenges for finding safer alternatives, effective risk communication strategies, monitoring techniques, waste management, and approaches to managing contamination.

1. Fluoropolymers Product Group (FPG)
of Plastics Europe
12 February 2024
Risk Management and
Fluoropolymers
OECD Global Forum on PFAS 2024

2. The Fluoropolymers Product Group
• The Fluoropolymers Product Group (FPG) represents Europe’s leading fluoropolymer
producers and experts.
• FPG is the voice of the industry in Europe and a Product Group of Plastics Europe,
headquartered in Brussels.
• The FPG Members are: AGC, Arkema, Chemours, Daikin Chemicals, DuPont, Gujarat
Fluorochemicals, Honeywell, W. L. Gore & Associates, Syensqo and Kureha Corporation.

3. About Fluoropolymers
• Fluoropolymers are safe and essential.
• They are advanced materials.
• They are durable by design.
• Critical materials in a broad range of
industrial, commercial and consumer
uses.

4. What is risk and what is risk management?
• Fluoropolymers are PFAS.
• Fluoropolymers are durable.
• Persistence alone does not indicate a risk.
• Fluoropolymers meet the OECD Polymer of Low Concern criteria.

5. How to manage the risk of persistency?
• Restricting fluoropolymers use is not appropriate.
• Fluoropolymers are safe.
• Control their emissions throughout the life-cycle.
• The EU has alternative regulatory mechanisms.

6. Control emissions throughout life-cycle
• FPG is committed to promoting
responsible and sustainable practices.
• In 2023 FPG launched its Manufacturing
Programme.
• European manufacturers are continuing
to lower emissions to the environment.
• We are actively initiating research on
contribution of fluoropolymers to the
circular economy.
• We are committed to informing
downstream users on safe handling.

7. There is no one-size fits all
• Fluoropolymers are safe and essential.
• Responsibility across life-cycle of fluoropolymers starts with us.
• Restricting fluoropolymers is not appropriate.
• Cooperation with national authorities, the value-chain, regulators and civil society.

8. Contact Us :
Nicolas Robin – Director, FPG
nicolas.robin@plasticseurope.org
Find the Fluoropolymers Product Group at:
• www.fluoropolymers.eu
• LinkedIn & X
Thank you!