Finding PFAS Replacements

Association for the Advancement of Alternatives Assessment

New PFAS Report

In August 2023, the Association for the Advancement of Alternatives Assessment (A4) released a new perspectives paper on the opportunities to replace per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the electronics value chain. This report spans a wide range of industries including aerospace, food production, energy, and electronics. The perspective paper provides examples of the uses of PFAS in various electronic products and processes.

Electronics manufacturers need to review PFAS use in products such as smartphones, printed circuit boards, semiconductors, wires and cables. The exposure to PFAS materials in these products can cause severe health impacts including liver and kidney disease, cancers, and reproductive issues.

Functional Substitutions

The A4’s report highlights that the first level of phasing out PFAS materials is to better understand the function performed by the material in product composition and performance. Many are concerned that reformulating the product could have negative consequences to product performance, as well as presenting a risk to safety and product integrity. There could also be reformulation costs, company liabilities, and reputational risks associated with a potential inferior substitution.

Alternative Assessment Approach

The report reviews a 4-step approach called ChemCoach. The process is a collaboration between Apple and ChemSec. In this process, companies will investigate the use of PFAS, assess the function of the material, search for an alternative, and then phase-out the offending PFAS material.

The process starts with identifying if PFAS is in the final product or in the product manufacturing. Then there is a review of the functional use and whether it is necessary to the product’s performance. If the PFAS is not critical to the product’s performance then an alternate material is suggested, tested, and implemented. The viability of a safe substitute is also tested. Once a suitable replacement is found, the manufacturer will then remove the PFAS material.

Tools and Resources

In addition to outlining a replacement strategy, the report also contains a list of helpful resources and tools that companies can use in their process.

There are links to frameworks and guidance, such as those presented by the National Resource Council (NRC) and the Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse (C2). There are links to free alternative assessment tools like the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's Substitution and alternatives assessment tools and data resources as well as the Toxic Use Reduction Institute (TURI) tool called Pollution Prevention Options Analysis.

A Brave New World

The next couple of years will play out in an interesting way as our world changes around us. The way companies manufacture products and source materials will need to adapt to changing regulations and market requirements.

When it comes to the over 17,000 PFAS materials in existence today, we are still wrapping our arms around the size of the problem. Looking for a way to better assess the risks associated with today's chemicals in our products, homes, and lives is important.

Alternatives assessments will help companies be proactive in the management of toxic chemicals and meet current and future regulatory obligations. By building compliance processes into our organizations that include team members from across the company and within our supply chains, we will be better positioned to sell in all global markets. PFAS may be the first in a long line of chemical and material evaluations to come.

 There are over 17,000 PFAS materials listed on the OECD's list. Let's build your PFAS program together.

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Links

OSHA - Transitioning to Safer Chemicals: A Toolkit for Employers and Workers

Global Electronics Council (GEC) - EPEAT 

Clean Electronics Production Network (CEPN)

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