THE PFAS CONTROVERSY (3): Challenges, Innovations, and Collaborative Solutions
In the ever-evolving landscape of global industries, the persistent issue of PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) has become a focal point of concern, triggering a complex interplay of challenges, innovations, and collaborative solutions. George R. Pilcher from The ChemQuest Group navigates the uncertain terrain of PFAS in this third installment of the series, shedding light on the potential future scenarios, industry adaptations and the critical role of collaborative efforts.
These are extremely uncertain times with regard to PFAS, despite the fact that they are of critical importance for a variety of applications in a number of vitally important global industries. It is likely that certain PFAS materials (particularly polymers) will be found to be of low concern, but requirements that the producers of such polymers take additional protective actions similar to those that were put in place for the production of polyvinylchloride (PVC) many years ago seem equally likely.
While anything is possible in today’s volatile, unpredictable, and sometimes irrational world, it seems unlikely that PFAS will be unilaterally banned, because it truly makes no sense to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Once all is said and done, Aristotle will probably be smiling, because it is more than passingly likely that his “Golden Mean” (the midpoint between extremes) will prevail, and we will have neither the best nor the worst outcome with regard to the global PFAS issue.
PFAS in the Future?
That is in the future, however. At present, few companies or industries can afford to do nothing while the PFAS issues work themselves out. Both producers and users of PFAS chemicals in a huge array of highly diverse industries are wrestling with the wisdom of replacing current PFAS-containing systems with equal- (or, more likely, lower-) performance products. Some will certainly succeed; most will not. Ultimately, the marketplace has to determine whether or not the substitute products are both affordable and acceptable – and if they are not, the race will be on to find alternative materials that will meet the requirements. The cleverest and most driven competitor with access to the greatest level of knowledge and experience will win.
The best way for any raw material or coatings supplier to make sure that success can be achieved will be to eviscerate the “NIH” Syndrome (“not invented here”) and seek expertise outside of the organisational walls to help achieve PFAS replacement goals. This is not typically an easy decision, but it will be a necessary one to enable manufacturing companies to embrace a wider world of technological experience and know-how.
PFAS producers and users will not only need to bring their finest and most dedicated R&D efforts to bear on the PFAS issue, but they will need all the help that they can get from independent technology organisations, strategic consulting firms, and independent subject matter experts. There is no other way in which both raw material suppliers and coatings producers will be able to access the most expansive knowledge base and extensive cross-fertilisation in multiple fields of specialty chemicals. This is how the PFAS issue is going to be addressed if we are to move technology forward, not backward.
Reading Tip about PFAS
To delve deeper into the multifaceted realm of PFAS, explore the three-part article series about PFAS:
