Publication: 08. Lipiec 2024

Substituting PFAS with Thermoplastic Elastomers for Medical Applications

In his most recent blogpost, KRAIBURG TPE medical expert Oliver Kluge talks about the current situation around PFAS as well as KRAIBURG TPE solutions which are PFAS-free by default, including thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) for the medical segment.

What is PFAS?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used in various industries for their unique set of properties as well as their resistance to heat, water, and oil.
Recently, PFAS have become a prominent topic in the media due to growing concerns about their widespread environmental and health impacts. Dubbed "forever chemicals," PFAS do not break down easily. This can lead to contamination in water and soil, amongst others.

PFAS were developed in the mid-20th century and quickly found applications in numerous products, including non-stick cookware, water-repellent fabrics and firefighting foams, among others. Their unique properties made them indispensable for enhancing product durability and performance. Reports of PFAS contamination around the globe have heightened public awareness and concern.
These substances are now associated with a range of issues for people and the planet, prompting calls for stricter regulation and more extensive research into safer alternatives.

Regulatory Changes and the Impact on Pharmaceutical Packaging

Due to their environmental persistence and potential health risks, regulatory bodies are considering partial or complete bans on PFAS. This will significantly impact industries that rely on PFAS, particularly in pharmaceutical packaging where PFAS may be used to treat rubber components. These treatments are essential for achieving specific properties on the materials surfaces that are challenging to replicate without PFAS.

THERMOLAST®M Compounds: PFAS-free by default

At KRAIBURG TPE, we have always been committed to sustainability and safety. Our THERMOLAST® M compounds have not and do not use PFAS as constituents of their formulation. Here’s why THERMOLAST® M stands out:

Purity and Safety: THERMOLAST® M is manufactured without addition of any PFAS, ensuring high purity and compliance with stringent regulatory standards.
Sustainability: Our products and production processes are designed to be environmentally friendly. We offer materials that comply with ISCC PLUS, supporting customers in achieving their sustainability goals.
Versatility: THERMOLAST® M can be used in 2K packaging systems for pharmaceuticals, providing benefits like recyclability, automation compatibility, and enhanced purity.

Looking Ahead

As regulatory changes loom, decisions regarding the PFAS challenges are anticipated in the near future. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published proposals for restricting several thousand PFAS substances, with new regulations expected to take effect within the next few years. This initiative stems from the recognition of PFAS's widespread contamination and health risks.
However, industry opposition has emerged due to the indispensable role of PFAS in certain applications, particularly in medicine and the transformation to climate neutrality. For instance, PFAS is critical in the production of mRNA vaccines and the manufacturing of hydrogen and wind turbines.There are also vivid discussions about a permanent exemption from the planned ban on PFAS chemicals for essential applications, such as medicine and climate-neutral technologies. This exemption focusses on the necessity of PFAS in various critical industries.

Are you interested in more information?

KRAIBURG TPE compounds have always been PFAS free and will continue to be. For more information on our products and if they can help you transition to PFAS-free alternatives, contact me anytime.

Author | Oliver Kluge

Market Manager Industry