Proceedings | Understanding PFAS and Reformulating PFAS-free Coatings
PFAS – perfluorinated and polyfluorinated chemicals – are synthetic fluorine compounds, a group of over 10,000 substances, that have unparalleld technical properties. They repel water, dirt and grease thanks to their stable carbon-fluorine bonds. Despite potential health risks, they are widely used because of their outstanding resistance to heat and chemicals. But change is coming: Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden are pushing for an EU-wide ban on PFAS from 2026. Over the past years, their authorities have analysed various PFAS, assessed their applications and potential hazards to create a draft ban.
How can the industry adapt to this challenge? Find out the full story behind PFAS with our On-Demand Package from the 2024 conference.
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The next EC Conference PFAS and Reformulating PFAS-free Coatings will be taking place in Cologne from 3-4 December 2024.
You were unable to attend?
Get your hands on our On-Deamand Package. The package includes all 13 presentations along with the recording of the 1,5 day conference.
List of presentations
| Keynote: Are you RDY to Formulate the Future? |
| Meeting PFAS Regulations with Wax Additives |
| Impact of ECHA’s proposed ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): more problems than solutions |
| PFAS substitutions for functional coatings with water and oil repellent properties |
| Novel TMCD-based hyperdurable resin showcases extreme weatherability under the toughest conditions for protective coatings |
| Tools and strategies complying with PFAS regulations |
| PFAS-free biobased waterborne acrylic binders with water and oil repellency |
| Functional Additives for Hot Block Resistance and Performance in Waterborne Coatings |
| Hybrid coatings to replace PFAS-containing materials –State-of-the-art, challenges, limits and opportunities |
| Options and Limitations of PFAS-free Coatings |
| PTFE Replacement Technologies based on Nanocomposites and Natural Powders |
| Alternatives to Fluoro-based Additives in Coatings & Inks |
| Fluoropolymers are Polymers of Necessity |
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Speakers
Lars Hoffmann, BASF
Lars Hoffmann is a seasoned professional in the coatings industry with more than two decades of experience. He currently holds the position of Global Product Line Expert for Wetting Agent and Surface Modifiers in the Global BASF Business Unit for Additives. In this role, Lars is responsible for providing technical expertise and support to customers globally, as well as driving new product development and innovation.Lars joined BASF SE in 2010 as a Technical Marketing Manager, responsible for Formulation Additives for automotive and industrial applications. His professional functions at BASF SE have resulted in various publications and presentations at conferences. Prior to joining BASF SE, Lars held positions at notable companies in research and development of wood and automotive coatings. He earned his degree in Chemical Engineering from Esslingen University of Applied Science in Germany, where he studied from 1997 until 2002.
Lars Hoffmann, BASF
Lars Hoffmann is a seasoned professional in the coatings industry with more than two decades of experience. He currently holds the position of Global Product Line Expert for Wetting Agent and Surface Modifiers in the Global BASF Business Unit for Additives. In this role, Lars is responsible for providing technical expertise and support to customers globally, as well as driving new product development and innovation.
Lars joined BASF SE in 2010 as a Technical Marketing Manager, responsible for Formulation Additives for automotive and industrial applications. His professional functions at BASF SE have resulted in various publications and presentations at conferences. Prior to joining BASF SE, Lars held positions at notable companies in research and development of wood and automotive coatings. He earned his degree in Chemical Engineering from Esslingen University of Applied Science in Germany, where he studied from 1997 until 2002.
Lars joined BASF SE in 2010 as a Technical Marketing Manager, responsible for Formulation Additives for automotive and industrial applications. His professional functions at BASF SE have resulted in various publications and presentations at conferences. Prior to joining BASF SE, Lars held positions at notable companies in research and development of wood and automotive coatings. He earned his degree in Chemical Engineering from Esslingen University of Applied Science in Germany, where he studied from 1997 until 2002.
Dr. Ralf Knischka, BASF
Ralf Knischka is a seasoned professional in the coatings industry with more than two decades of experience. He currently holds the position of Global Product Line Expert for Wetting Agent and Surface Modifiers in the Global BASF Business Unit for Additives. In this role, Lars is responsible for providing technical expertise and support to customers globally, as well as driving new product development and innovation.Lars joined BASF SE in 2010 as a Technical Marketing Manager, responsible for Formulation Additives for automotive and industrial applications. His professional functions at BASF SE have resulted in various publications and presentations at conferences. Prior to joining BASF SE, Lars held positions at notable companies in research and development of wood and automotive coatings. He earned his degree in Chemical Engineering from Esslingen University of Applied Science in Germany, where he studied from 1997 until 2002.
Dr. Ralf Knischka, BASF
Ralf Knischka is a seasoned professional in the coatings industry with more than two decades of experience. He currently holds the position of Global Product Line Expert for Wetting Agent and Surface Modifiers in the Global BASF Business Unit for Additives. In this role, Lars is responsible for providing technical expertise and support to customers globally, as well as driving new product development and innovation.
Lars joined BASF SE in 2010 as a Technical Marketing Manager, responsible for Formulation Additives for automotive and industrial applications. His professional functions at BASF SE have resulted in various publications and presentations at conferences. Prior to joining BASF SE, Lars held positions at notable companies in research and development of wood and automotive coatings. He earned his degree in Chemical Engineering from Esslingen University of Applied Science in Germany, where he studied from 1997 until 2002.
Lars joined BASF SE in 2010 as a Technical Marketing Manager, responsible for Formulation Additives for automotive and industrial applications. His professional functions at BASF SE have resulted in various publications and presentations at conferences. Prior to joining BASF SE, Lars held positions at notable companies in research and development of wood and automotive coatings. He earned his degree in Chemical Engineering from Esslingen University of Applied Science in Germany, where he studied from 1997 until 2002.
Ralf Eberhards, Global Technology Manager, Lubrizol
Ralf Eberhards has been with The Lubrizol Corporation for over 29 years, where he currently serves as Global Technology Manager & Global Technical Marketing Manager for Surface Modifiers, a position he has held since January 2022. Before joining Lubrizol, Ralf gained valuable professional experience as R&D Engineer for Industrial Wood Coatings at Bergolin. Prior to that, he completed his diploma thesis at Hansa Textilchemie in Oyten.Ralf Eberhards, Global Technology Manager, Lubrizol
Ralf Eberhards has been with The Lubrizol Corporation for over 29 years, where he currently serves as Global Technology Manager & Global Technical Marketing Manager for Surface Modifiers, a position he has held since January 2022. Before joining Lubrizol, Ralf gained valuable professional experience as R&D Engineer for Industrial Wood Coatings at Bergolin. Prior to that, he completed his diploma thesis at Hansa Textilchemie in Oyten.
Dr Tommaso Dragani, Chief Scientific Officer and Co-founder, ASPIDIA
Tommaso A. Dragani is the Scientific Director and co-founder of ASPIDIA srl in Milan. Previously, he directed the “Genetic Epidemiology and Pharmacogenomics” Research Unit at Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori in Milan. With a background in toxicology, molecular genetics, and epidemiology, he is now focused on bioremediation of pollutants like PFAS and microplastics. He holds a Pharmacy degree from the University of Bologna and a Master’s in Medical Statistics. An experienced lecturer, he has published 191 peer-reviewed articles and has a Google Scholar H-index of 45.Dr Tommaso Dragani, Chief Scientific Officer and Co-founder, ASPIDIA
Tommaso A. Dragani is the Scientific Director and co-founder of ASPIDIA srl in Milan. Previously, he directed the “Genetic Epidemiology and Pharmacogenomics” Research Unit at Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori in Milan. With a background in toxicology, molecular genetics, and epidemiology, he is now focused on bioremediation of pollutants like PFAS and microplastics. He holds a Pharmacy degree from the University of Bologna and a Master’s in Medical Statistics. An experienced lecturer, he has published 191 peer-reviewed articles and has a Google Scholar H-index of 45.
Nadine Rehfeld, Project Manager, Fraunhofer IFAM
Nadine Rehfeld has worked in the Paint Technology department at the Fraunhofer IFAM in Bremen, Germany, since 2008. She specializes in development and testing of multifunctional coatings. Since 2013, she has been responsible for R&D activities related to de-icing and anti-icing technologies in different application fields. Nadine Rehfeld is leading the group “Functional coatings for exterior applications” and is mentor for young students und supervises bachelor and master thesis.Nadine Rehfeld, Project Manager, Fraunhofer IFAM
Nadine Rehfeld has worked in the Paint Technology department at the Fraunhofer IFAM in Bremen, Germany, since 2008. She specializes in development and testing of multifunctional coatings. Since 2013, she has been responsible for R&D activities related to de-icing and anti-icing technologies in different application fields. Nadine Rehfeld is leading the group “Functional coatings for exterior applications” and is mentor for young students und supervises bachelor and master thesis.
Erwin Bauters, Application Development scientist, Eastman Chemical Company
Erwin Bauters joined Eastman in June 2022 as Application Development Scientist Coatings. Prior to his current position, he worked at FLAMAC for over a decade as Project Manager and HSE Coordinator. Prior to that, Erwin Bauters worked at Cytec Solvay Group in Drogenbos for 19 years. During this time, he held various positions, including laboratory manager in the Strategic Technology Group (STG), where he worked on the development of new technologies and chemical structures for various coating applications. As R&D manager of the powder coatings application, he led projects for the development of polyester resins and coating-related technologies. Prior to that, he was a research associate in the Coil Coating division, where he worked on the synthesis of resins and the development of a fully automated R&D laboratory coil line.Erwin Bauters, Application Development scientist, Eastman Chemical Company
Erwin Bauters joined Eastman in June 2022 as Application Development Scientist Coatings. Prior to his current position, he worked at FLAMAC for over a decade as Project Manager and HSE Coordinator. Prior to that, Erwin Bauters worked at Cytec Solvay Group in Drogenbos for 19 years. During this time, he held various positions, including laboratory manager in the Strategic Technology Group (STG), where he worked on the development of new technologies and chemical structures for various coating applications. As R&D manager of the powder coatings application, he led projects for the development of polyester resins and coating-related technologies. Prior to that, he was a research associate in the Coil Coating division, where he worked on the synthesis of resins and the development of a fully automated R&D laboratory coil line.
Dr Marianne Heckmann, Principal Consultant, Yordas Group
Dr. Marianne Heckmann joined the Yordas Group in Germany as Principal Consultant in January 2024. Prior to her current position, she worked at LANXESS for over 12 years. She held the following roles at Lanxess: Head of Global Registration Management, Senior Manager Global Regulatory Affairs and Manager Production Planning and Strategy. In addition, Marianne led global regulatory projects.Dr Marianne Heckmann, Principal Consultant, Yordas Group
Dr. Marianne Heckmann joined the Yordas Group in Germany as Principal Consultant in January 2024. Prior to her current position, she worked at LANXESS for over 12 years. She held the following roles at Lanxess: Head of Global Registration Management, Senior Manager Global Regulatory Affairs and Manager Production Planning and Strategy. In addition, Marianne led global regulatory projects.
Dr Raquel Rodriguez, Sr Researcher, Fundacion Tecnalia Research and Innovation
BSc in Chemistry (Specialty: Macromolecules) at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). She completed an MPhil in the department of Pure and Applied Chemistry at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. European Thesis at POLYMAT and the Chemical Engineering Group UPV/EHU (The University of the Basque Country, Donostia – San Sebastián) PhD. Thesis: “Silicone-Modified Acrylic Nanoparticles by Miniemulsion Polymerization”. Working at TECNALIA (research centre in the north of Spain) in the sustainable and functional polymers department. She has extensive experience in the synthesis of functional and/or biobased polymers such as polymeric binders for coating and adhesive formulations and micro/nanocapsules containing active substances (self-healing, PCM slurries, fragrances…). She has participated in numerous research projects at the regional, national and European level, and is the author of more than 10 publications and 2 patents. Actually, coordinator of TORNADO project funded by the European Commission related to the development of new PFAS free biobased water and oil repellent coatings.Dr Raquel Rodriguez, Sr Researcher, Fundacion Tecnalia Research and Innovation
BSc in Chemistry (Specialty: Macromolecules) at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). She completed an MPhil in the department of Pure and Applied Chemistry at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. European Thesis at POLYMAT and the Chemical Engineering Group UPV/EHU (The University of the Basque Country, Donostia – San Sebastián) PhD. Thesis: “Silicone-Modified Acrylic Nanoparticles by Miniemulsion Polymerization”. Working at TECNALIA (research centre in the north of Spain) in the sustainable and functional polymers department. She has extensive experience in the synthesis of functional and/or biobased polymers such as polymeric binders for coating and adhesive formulations and micro/nanocapsules containing active substances (self-healing, PCM slurries, fragrances…). She has participated in numerous research projects at the regional, national and European level, and is the author of more than 10 publications and 2 patents. Actually, coordinator of TORNADO project funded by the European Commission related to the development of new PFAS free biobased water and oil repellent coatings.
Biran Vest, Sr. Scientist, Syensqo
Brian Vest is a Senior Scientist in Syensqo’s Coatings group, based at their Research and Innovation Center in Bristol, Pa, where he supports the development of specialty additives for water-based coatings. Brian has a B.S. in Environmental Science from Oregon State University and is a co-author of several patents. He has over 20 years of experience in waterborne coatings with a focus on additives and formulation development for paints and colorants in the architectural and industrial coatings market.Biran Vest, Sr. Scientist, Syensqo
Brian Vest is a Senior Scientist in Syensqo’s Coatings group, based at their Research and Innovation Center in Bristol, Pa, where he supports the development of specialty additives for water-based coatings. Brian has a B.S. in Environmental Science from Oregon State University and is a co-author of several patents. He has over 20 years of experience in waterborne coatings with a focus on additives and formulation development for paints and colorants in the architectural and industrial coatings market.
Dr Ferdinand Somorowsky, Head of Chemical Coating Technology, Fraunhofer ISC
Dr. Ferdinand Somorowsky has been Head of Chemical Coating Technology at the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC since July 2019, where he specializes in the development of functional coating materials. In this role, he utilizes his analytical skills and expertise in project planning. Prior to his current position, Dr. Somorowsky headed the laboratory and worked as a project manager at the same institute from November 2014 to June 2019. During this time, he focused on chemical analysis as well as glass and solid surface materials.Dr Ferdinand Somorowsky, Head of Chemical Coating Technology, Fraunhofer ISC
Dr. Ferdinand Somorowsky has been Head of Chemical Coating Technology at the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC since July 2019, where he specializes in the development of functional coating materials. In this role, he utilizes his analytical skills and expertise in project planning. Prior to his current position, Dr. Somorowsky headed the laboratory and worked as a project manager at the same institute from November 2014 to June 2019. During this time, he focused on chemical analysis as well as glass and solid surface materials.
Dirk Hegemann, Group manager Plasma & Coating, EMPA
Dirk Hegemann has been a member of the Board of Directors of the International Plasma Chemistry Society (IPCS) since July 2012. In addition to these functions, he can look back on an impressive career at Empa, where he has worked for 21 years. He has been Group Manager of the Plasma and Coatings Group since July 2005. Prior to that, he was employed there as a research assistant.Dirk Hegemann has been a member of the Board of Directors at Swissvacuum since June 2022. He has also been a member of the Board of the Swiss Physical Society (SPG) in Basel, Switzerland, since July 2018.
Dirk Hegemann began his career as a project manager at the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB.
Dirk Hegemann, Group manager Plasma & Coating, EMPA
Dirk Hegemann has been a member of the Board of Directors of the International Plasma Chemistry Society (IPCS) since July 2012. In addition to these functions, he can look back on an impressive career at Empa, where he has worked for 21 years. He has been Group Manager of the Plasma and Coatings Group since July 2005. Prior to that, he was employed there as a research assistant.
Dirk Hegemann has been a member of the Board of Directors at Swissvacuum since June 2022. He has also been a member of the Board of the Swiss Physical Society (SPG) in Basel, Switzerland, since July 2018.
Dirk Hegemann began his career as a project manager at the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB.
Dirk Hegemann has been a member of the Board of Directors at Swissvacuum since June 2022. He has also been a member of the Board of the Swiss Physical Society (SPG) in Basel, Switzerland, since July 2018.
Dirk Hegemann began his career as a project manager at the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB.
Richard Czarnecki, Vice President, Micro Powders
Richard joined Micro Powders in 2011 as Technical Director. He began his career in the printing inks industry in 1983 and has held of number of leadership roles in polymer and formulation development, technical services and regulatory affairs before joining Micro Powders. He holds a BA in Chemistry from Rutgers University and as MS in Polymer Sciencefrom NJIT.
Richard Czarnecki, Vice President, Micro Powders
Richard joined Micro Powders in 2011 as Technical Director. He began his career in the printing inks industry in 1983 and has held of number of leadership roles in polymer and formulation development, technical services and regulatory affairs before joining Micro Powders. He holds a BA in Chemistry from Rutgers University and as MS in Polymer Science
from NJIT.
from NJIT.
Roger Reinartz, Head of Applied Research & Technology Industrial & Transportation Coatings EMEA, Evonik
Roger Reinartz studied Chemistry and graduated in 1996 from the Technical University of Eindhoven / Netherlands.Since 1997 he has been working in coatings industry related to the development of specialty additives. Namely rheology modifiers at Hercules-Aqualon and wetting agents, defoamers and dispersants for waterborne coatings, inks, adhesives, industrial specialties and construction applications at Air Products Netherlands B.V.
Following the acquisition by Evonik beginning 2017, he has held various technical positions in the new business line Coating Additives. Since end 2020 he is the Head of Applied Research & Technology Industrial & Transportation Coatings EMEA.
Roger Reinartz, Head of Applied Research & Technology Industrial & Transportation Coatings EMEA, Evonik
Roger Reinartz studied Chemistry and graduated in 1996 from the Technical University of Eindhoven / Netherlands.
Since 1997 he has been working in coatings industry related to the development of specialty additives. Namely rheology modifiers at Hercules-Aqualon and wetting agents, defoamers and dispersants for waterborne coatings, inks, adhesives, industrial specialties and construction applications at Air Products Netherlands B.V.
Following the acquisition by Evonik beginning 2017, he has held various technical positions in the new business line Coating Additives. Since end 2020 he is the Head of Applied Research & Technology Industrial & Transportation Coatings EMEA.
Since 1997 he has been working in coatings industry related to the development of specialty additives. Namely rheology modifiers at Hercules-Aqualon and wetting agents, defoamers and dispersants for waterborne coatings, inks, adhesives, industrial specialties and construction applications at Air Products Netherlands B.V.
Following the acquisition by Evonik beginning 2017, he has held various technical positions in the new business line Coating Additives. Since end 2020 he is the Head of Applied Research & Technology Industrial & Transportation Coatings EMEA.
Deepak Kapoor, Managing Director, Gujarat Fluorochemicals Limited
Deepak Kapoor studied Chemical Engineering with specialization in Polymer Science and Masters in Business Administration in International Business Management. He has overall 24 years of industry experience in Marketing, Technical and Strategy roles. He is co-author of several patents, technical papers and publications. Currently, Deepak heads the European business, mainly Fluoropolymer resins & battery Chemicals, of Gujarat Fluorochemicals. He is also the Managing Director of Company’s two subsidiaries located in Hamburg, Germany. He is also leading the strategy & advocacy of Fluoropolymers.Deepak Kapoor, Managing Director, Gujarat Fluorochemicals Limited
Deepak Kapoor studied Chemical Engineering with specialization in Polymer Science and Masters in Business Administration in International Business Management. He has overall 24 years of industry experience in Marketing, Technical and Strategy roles. He is co-author of several patents, technical papers and publications. Currently, Deepak heads the European business, mainly Fluoropolymer resins & battery Chemicals, of Gujarat Fluorochemicals. He is also the Managing Director of Company’s two subsidiaries located in Hamburg, Germany. He is also leading the strategy & advocacy of Fluoropolymers.
