Towards a PFAS-free society
bye bye PFAS is an initiative launched by economic actors with the purpose of planning the withdrawal of PFAS in France and in Europe
🧪 PFAS are a large family of chemicals used in all industries due to the unique properties they provide to products.
These substances do not degrade. They are now found everywhere (in water, soil, the human body) and in increasing quantities.
They pose major health problems (cancer, infertility, etc.). PFAS pollution is now considered a priority public health issue.
Why seek to phase out PFAS?
To protect the health and fertility of European citizens.
PFOA, the PFAS whose toxicity has been the most extensively studied, is considered “carcinogenic for humans”. Indeed, the link between exposure to PFOA and two types of cancers (kidney cancer and testicular cancer) has been proven. Since then, researchers have been warning about the numerous health risks associated with PFAS exposure..
Today, PFAS substances are permitted on the market in the EU as long as no health problems are observed, which does not protect the population.
In light of this, there is a consensus on the need to reduce the production and consumption of PFAS, and to do so using a ‘group’ approach, which means considering all PFAS substances collectively.
To guarantee the competitiveness of companies and preserve employment.
In light of the of the health scandal, phasing out of PFAS seems unavoidable. Major manufacturers have understood this well. 3M and BASF have already announced that they will cease their production of PFAS by 2028.
The future is therefore shaping up to be PFAS-free. To achieve this, companies will need to innovate and adapt their processes. In this regard, Europe is lagging behind, particularly compared to China which leads the way in terms of the number of PFAS alternative patents. To ensure that our French and European industrial companies remain competitive, it appears critical to assist them in starting their transition.
Finally, let’s face it, this transition is perceived as a new constraint at a time when industrial employment is already under threat. There are two possible options: suffer or adapt. We prefer the latter.
How can this be achieved?
Two levers are a priority:
Firstly, innovation 💡 – because the challenge is technical. Fortunately, European companies across all sectors have already succeeded in replacing PFAS in their products and processes.
Secondly, regulation at the European level 🇪🇺 — because our companies need common rules, visibility, incentives and protection from non-European companies.
bye bye PFAS contributes to this transition in three ways:
1. Supporting companies committed to phasing out PFAS.
More and more companies are committing to this transition. We assist them with publicly available information and technical recommendations. We offer them visibility. We represent their interests by coordinating their response to regulatory consultations.
2. Helping major contracting clients to calibrate their expectations.
We work with financial institutions to help them analyse PFAS thematics in their due diligence processes and incorporate them into their financing agreements. We collaborate with large companies and government agencies to build their standards. Finally, we produce an annual barometer on the progress made by French companies towards phasing out PFAS.
3. Disseminate technical and scientific knowledge among economic actors.
The complexities associated with PFAS should not be a barrier to transition. To this end, we write popularising articles, analyse the latest publications and datasets, and host (unpaid) knowledge sharing conferences.
Our actions
🟡 In progress
Coordinated companies’ response to the consultation on the proposed European restrictions
🟡 In progress
Publish online comprehensive, up-to-date, educational content to help people understand PFAS.
🔴 Coming soon
Produce an annual survey on the progress made by French companies in phasing out PFAS.
Don’t stay on the sideline
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