In response to mounting evidence of severe environmental and health hazards caused by the chemicals, igus continues to develop PFAS-free (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances -free) engineered plastics.
Juan-Eric Davidtz of igus. Supplied by igus
“Forever chemicals” – so-called because of their inability to break down in nature – have been linked to widespread pollution of water, soil, wildlife and even human bloodstreams. They’re used in everything from non-stick cookware to industrial lubricants and most significantly (for the engineering sector), polymer-based components.
Juan-Eric Davidtz, product manager for bearings at igus South Africa, explains that the widespread use of PFAS in industrial polymers, particularly PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene, best known by its trade name Teflon), is far greater than most people realise.
“Most of the components manufactured today contain some form of PFAS – it’s everywhere. Even when companies claim their materials are safe, it often means the PFAS they’re using simply hasn’t made it onto the regulatory blacklist – yet.”
The issue is that many manufacturers continue to use hazardous PFAS compounds because they offer great performance in reducing friction and wear. This performance comes at a cost as once these synthetic materials enter the environment they remain there indefinitely. They do not biodegrade, instead they accumulate in living organisms and they can pose long-term health risks.
“It’s not about being a greenie, it’s about responsibility. These materials are synthetic. Nothing like them exists in nature so they don’t break down. They end up in our rivers, in fish, in us. At some point, we’ve got to ask: is it worth it?”
The German-based motion plastics company has decided that the answer is no. As a global innovator in polymer technology for over 60 years, igus has taken proactive steps to reduce and eventually eliminate harmful PFAS from its products. The company distinguishes between hazardous PFAS and non-hazardous PFAS, a critical distinction in the industry.
“We’re already offering performance-based alternatives that are free of PTFE and contain only safe non-hazardous PFAS. We’re not waiting until regulators force the industry’s hand. We’re adapting now. We have invested in research and development to engineer new bearing materials that meet the same stringent performance criteria without relying on banned or soon-to-be-banned chemicals. These next-generation materials are not only wear-resistant and self-lubricating but also safer for people and the planet,” says Davidtz.
The company has released a white paper outlining the status of PFAS in engineering plastics, listing which substances are under scrutiny and how igus materials compare in terms of both performance and environmental impact. This white paper is available for download on the igus website and is a must-read for any forward-thinking manufacturer.
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and similar bodies around the world are tightening restrictions on PFAS. Although South Africa has not made its position known on the use of these chemicals, it is clear that companies that continue to use banned or restricted chemicals risk regulatory penalties and reputational damage abroad.
Customers concerned about environmental compliance, safety or long-term sustainability can already specify igus materials that are PTFE-free and free of listed hazardous PFAS. In industries such as automotive, food processing and packaging where trace contamination can have significant downstream effects this level of assurance is becoming increasingly essential.
The era of looking the other way while PFAS pollute our environment is drawing to a close. Companies like igus are demonstrating that it is not only possible but commercially viable to transition to safer alternatives without compromising on performance. “It’s about moving with the times. As South Africans, let’s stop waiting for the last minute. The solutions are already here,” concludes Davidtz.
Source: supplied by igus