A growing number of companies are receiving requests from their customers for PFAS-free components and declarations confirming that the materials used contain no PFAS. This has become a recurring requirement across many industries, including automotive, medical, food and many others.
In industrial moulding, several PFAS-free alternatives are already available, including NBR, EPDM, silicone, PA6/PA66, TPU and SEBS. In many applications, these solutions make it possible to evaluate the replacement of fluorinated materials, such as fluoroelastomers and fluoropolymers, traditionally used in applications with specific, high-performance requirements, including resistance to chemicals, high temperatures and aggressive environments.
Although it is not yet a universal legal obligation, in commercial practice the demand for PFAS-free components is an increasingly important requirement. Companies unable to provide adequate compliance assurances risk jeopardising the continuity of their supply relationships.
Corti Srl works with PFAS-free alternative materials every day, supporting customers in choosing the most suitable solution based on the performance required by the application and gathering the technical and compliance documentation available across the supply chain.
In this article, for simplicity, the term “fluorinated materials” is used to refer to fluorine-containing materials assessed in the context of PFAS-free requests. It is important to note, however, that the two terms are not synonyms: the presence of fluorine does not necessarily mean that a material falls within the PFAS category.
What are PFAS and why are they increasingly in the spotlight?
PFAS stands for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: a family of thousands of chemical compounds characterised by carbon–fluorine (C–F) bonds, which are among the most stable in organic chemistry. This particular chemical structure underpins the high chemical and thermal stability of many compounds in the family, which has contributed to their use in numerous high-performance industrial applications. [1]
Depending on the formulation, different materials can also offer specific characteristics, such as elasticity, a low coefficient of friction or particular mechanical performance. These properties are just some examples of the characteristics that make these materials suitable for a wide range of applications.
The same chemical stability that characterises many PFAS compounds is also at the root of current environmental concerns. They are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because many compounds in the family are hard to break down and, once released into the environment, can persist for a long time. [2]
In addition, some PFAS have been associated with adverse effects on human health, which is why the European Union is progressively introducing restrictions on their use. [1][2]
Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2462 has already introduced operational restrictions for a subgroup of PFAS: PFHxA and related substances. [3]
At the same time, according to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), a proposal to restrict the entire PFAS family is under evaluation. It was submitted in January 2023 by five European countries (Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden). In 2026, ECHA completed the risk assessment of the proposal, while the assessment of socio-economic aspects is still ongoing and expected to be concluded by the end of 2026. [4]
This regulatory evolution is taking place as the demand for PFAS-free materials is increasingly affecting a range of industrial sectors, including automotive manufacturers (OEMs) and companies in the medical sector. The requirement is progressively extending across the entire supply chain, reaching manufacturing SMEs as well.
Where PFAS are found in moulding materials and processes
In rubber and plastic component moulding, PFAS-free requests mainly concern certain types of fluorinated materials used in components and certain fluorinated substances used in production processes.
The main types involved are outlined below.
FKM/FPM fluoroelastomers (including Viton®)
FKM (or FPM) refers to a family of fluoroelastomers mainly used for gaskets, seals and elastic components that must maintain their performance in contact with oils, fuels and chemical fluids, and at high temperatures. Thanks to their combination of elasticity, chemical resistance and high-temperature resistance, they are widely used in demanding industrial applications and are frequently the subject of requests for replacement with PFAS-free alternatives.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, known as Teflon®)
PTFE is a thermoplastic fluoropolymer used in seals, coatings, valve components and fluid-contact applications. It is particularly valued for its chemical resistance, thermal resistance and low coefficient of friction. It is used when anti-friction properties and the ability to operate in harsh conditions are required.
Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)
PVDF is a thermoplastic fluoropolymer particularly suited to applications requiring chemical resistance, thermal resistance and good mechanical properties. It is mainly used for rigid components, fluid handling systems, pipes and valves, where structural reliability and long-term resistance to aggressive chemicals are required.
Fluorinated mould release agents used in the moulding process
Some moulding processes may use PFAS-containing release agents to facilitate part removal from the mould. Although they are not part of the finished product, these substances may fall within the processing aids considered in PFAS-free compliance requests. For this reason, a PFAS-free assessment must consider not only the material used, but also any processing aids employed during production.
PFAS-free alternatives to FKM, PTFE and PVDF used by Corti Srl
Fluorinated materials have historically been used in many industrial applications thanks to a combination of properties that are difficult to replicate with other polymers. The choice of a PFAS-free alternative must be assessed based on the characteristics required of the component and its operating conditions, verifying that the material meets the application requirements. Operating temperature, fluids in contact, mechanical stress and application-specific requirements are among the most important parameters to consider.
Below are some of the main PFAS-free materials used in industrial moulding and the applications in which they can be a viable alternative.
NBR – components in contact with oils, greases and hydrocarbons
Nitrile rubber (NBR) is one of the most widely used elastomers in applications involving contact with mineral oils, greases and hydrocarbons, such as fuels and hydraulic fluids. It offers an indicative operating temperature range of -40°C to +108°C, along with good mechanical properties and abrasion resistance.
In applications where FKM is chosen primarily for its resistance to oils, greases and hydrocarbons, NBR can be a viable PFAS-free alternative. Where it meets the same application requirements, it can also significantly reduce costs.
Silicone – high-temperature components
Silicone is an elastomer that retains its elasticity and dimensional stability even at high temperatures. Depending on the formulation, it can operate within an indicative range of -80°C to +250°C.
In applications where FKM is chosen primarily for its high-temperature resistance, silicone can be a viable PFAS-free alternative.
EPDM – components exposed to weathering, steam and polar fluids
Ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM) offers excellent resistance to weathering, particularly water, moisture, UV radiation and ozone. It also offers excellent compatibility with steam and polar fluids, such as dilute acids and bases, alcohols and ketones. It can operate within an indicative operating temperature range of -30°C to +150°C, while retaining good elasticity at low temperatures.
In applications where FKM is chosen primarily for its resistance to weathering, steam and polar fluids, EPDM can be a viable PFAS-free alternative.
PA6 and PA66 – rigid structural components
The engineering polyamides PA6 and PA66 are fluorine-free materials characterised by high mechanical strength, stiffness, dimensional stability and good resistance to many organic solvents.
When materials such as PTFE or PVDF are used for rigid structural components and the application does not require specific properties such as low friction or high chemical inertness, PA6 and PA66 can be a viable PFAS-free alternative.
In particular, glass-fibre-reinforced PA66 is suitable for components subject to high mechanical stress, where greater stiffness and dimensional stability are required.
Further reading: Nylon PA6 and PA66: differences, properties and applications in industrial injection moulding
TPU – flexible, wear-resistant components
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a fluorine-free material that combines elasticity, high wear resistance and good compatibility with oils and greases.
It can be a viable PFAS-free alternative in applications requiring flexibility and long service life, such as protective components, coatings and seals.
Further reading: TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane): properties and applications in industrial moulding
SEBS – elastic components for medical, healthcare and food applications
SEBS (styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) is a fluorine-free thermoplastic elastomer that combines high elasticity, good chemical resistance and excellent processability in injection moulding.
When elastic, flexible components are required, SEBS can be a viable PFAS-free alternative.
Thanks to these characteristics, it is used, among other things, to manufacture components for the medical, healthcare and food sectors, as well as technical components where elasticity, durability and reliability are required.
Further reading: SEBS prosthetic foot wedges: materials, performance and manufacturing for advanced orthopaedic applications
PFAS-free material | Key property |
NBR | Resistance to oils, greases and hydrocarbons |
Silicone | Elasticity and dimensional stability at high temperatures |
EPDM | Resistance to weathering, steam and polar fluids |
PA6 / PA66 | Mechanical strength, stiffness and dimensional stability |
TPU | Elasticity and wear resistance |
SEBS | Elasticity and processability |
How Corti Srl handles PFAS-free requests
Choosing the material is only the first step. To meet market demand for PFAS-free components, it is essential to be able to provide the necessary compliance documentation, including declarations confirming the absence of PFAS.
That is why, at Corti Srl, we support customers in evaluating PFAS-free solutions through a structured approach that covers material selection, solution validation and the collection of available documentation.
Application analysis
Before identifying the replacement material, the component requirements and conditions of use are analysed. The goal is to identify the most suitable PFAS-free solution, compatible with the required performance and the expected operating conditions.
Material selection and validation
Once the most suitable alternative material has been identified, sampling and validation runs are organised where necessary to verify the component’s behaviour under the expected operating conditions. PFAS-free compliance is only one of the requirements to be verified: replacing a previously used material with a PFAS-free alternative may require dimensional or functional checks, since every material has different physical properties.
Technical and compliance documentation
Material selection is supported by the relevant technical data sheets (TDS), which make it possible to verify the material’s characteristics and performance against the application requirements.
Where applicable, the documentation is supplemented with safety data sheets (SDS).
At the same time, the compliance documentation available across the production supply chain is collected, including declarations confirming the absence of PFAS in the material and its formulation, as well as in any surface treatments and processing aids involved.
The goal is to provide customers with the available documentation for their supplier qualification and compliance verification processes.
If you have already received a PFAS-free request from a customer or would like to prepare the necessary documentation in advance, please contact us: we will work with you to identify the most suitable solution for your specific application.
Article by the Corti Srl Technical Department
FAQ
Do all moulded components contain PFAS?
No. Materials that may fall within replacement requests include, for example, fluoroelastomers (such as FKM/FPM) and fluoropolymers (such as PTFE and PVDF). Materials such as NBR, silicone, EPDM, PA6/PA66, TPU and SEBS are not fluorinated polymers and can be PFAS-free alternatives, depending on the application requirements.
What does PFAS-free mean?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and refers to a family of substances with specific chemical structures containing carbon–fluorine (C–F) bonds. These chemical characteristics underpin properties such as high chemical and thermal resistance, as well as other specific characteristics depending on the material. A PFAS-free component is one manufactured without the intentional use of substances belonging to this family in the materials used and in the production processes considered.
Which PFAS-free materials can be used as alternatives to fluorinated materials?
The choice of replacement material depends on the performance required by the application and must be assessed case by case, verifying compatibility with the operating conditions and the specific characteristics of the application. An alternative material is not necessarily equivalent in terms of performance.
The main PFAS-free materials used in industrial moulding include NBR, EPDM, silicone, PA6/PA66, TPU and SEBS.
Does a PFAS-free declaration require laboratory testing?
Not necessarily. In industrial practice, PFAS-free compliance assessment is often supported by the documentation available across the supply chain, including supplier declarations and declarations confirming the absence of PFAS in the materials and in any processing aids involved.
Depending on customer requirements and the specific application, however, further verification may be required, including laboratory testing of the material or component.
How is the PFAS-free compliance of a component manufactured by Corti Srl assessed?
The PFAS-free compliance assessment considers the base polymer, the material formulation, any surface treatments and the processing aids used during production.
Corti Srl provides customers with the available documentation, supplying the information needed to verify the component’s compliance with PFAS-free requirements.
Can customers reject a supply because of PFAS even without a legal obligation?
Yes. If a supply specification includes a PFAS-free requirement, failure to meet it may constitute a contractual non-conformity, regardless of whether a specific regulatory obligation exists. For this reason, many companies ask their suppliers for advance documentation on the compliance of the materials used.
Sources
[1] European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
[2] European Environment Agency (EEA), PFAS polymers in focus: supporting Europe’s zero pollution, low-carbon and circular economy ambitions, 29 April 2025.
[3] European Commission, Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2462 of 19 September 2024.
[4] European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), ECHA supports PFAS restriction with targeted derogations, 26 March 2026.
