BOSTON, March 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — “Forever chemicals”, or PFAS, are coming under increasing regulatory pressure worldwide as concerns grow about the negative effects of PFAS on human health and the environment. In their brand new report, “Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) 2024: Emerging Applications, Alternatives, Regulations”, IDTechEx dives deep to explore the future trajectory of PFAS in five key emerging applications: thermal management for data centers, sustainable food packaging, electric vehicles, low-loss materials for 5G, and the hydrogen economy.
Introducing the “forever chemical” family “PFAS
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and refers to synthetic chemical compounds that contain multiple fluorine atoms attached to an alkyl chain. The broad definition of PFAS by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development includes nearly 5,000 unique chemicals, including PFOA, PFOS and PTFE.
Not surprisingly, the applications of different PFAS chemicals are almost as broad as the chemical family itself. Depending on the specific chemicals, PFAS are used in industries including semiconductor manufacturing, healthcare, nonstick cookware, and firefighting foam.
Why is concern about PFAS increasing?
Why is PFAS now coming under greater scrutiny? The colloquialism “forever chemicals” points to a key issue for PFAS: its persistence in humans, wildlife and the environment. Not only are PFAS persistent, but they can even be found in isolated areas; thus, people can be exposed to PFAS through a variety of sources. Now, scientific evidence is growing that, depending on various factors, continued exposure to specific PFAS can lead to negative health effects, such as increased risk of cancer, developmental delays and hormonal issues (according to the US EPA and the OECD).
A new regulatory landscape that is changing the trajectory of PFAS
With increasing concern about the impact of PFAS on human health and the environment, there is pressure for increased regulations on the use of certain groups of PFAS. Several key regions in the global economy are considering or adopting universal PFAS restrictions, including the European Union (which introduced its universal PFAS restriction proposal in 2023) and the US states of Maine and Minnesota. With such a complex landscape of PFAS regulations potentially evolving worldwide, it is essential for businesses to understand existing and proposed regulations for PFAS in order to understand their potential effects on them.
Alternatives to PFAS in emerging high-tech applications: a critical consideration
As such, with broad legislation potentially affecting PFAS in numerous different applications, it is imperative for businesses to consider potential alternatives to PFAS.
Heavy regulations on PFAS will have a particular impact in emerging high-tech applications. In these less established markets, PFAS can sometimes act as key technology intermediaries. PFAS can be used as membranes in fuel cells, as coolants for immersion cooling in data centers, as insulation material in high voltage cables, or as moisture repellent coatings in molded fiber packaging. Therefore, identifying substitutes for PFAS in those applications will be important for the future growth of those emerging areas.
For businesses that manufacture or use PFAS in high-tech fields, IDTechEx’s new report, “Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) 2024: Emerging Applications, Alternatives, Regulations,” not only identifies the specific impact of different PFAS regulations in key emerging application areas. but also identify potential alternatives to PFAS in these areas. The five main emerging technology areas analyzed by IDTechEx cover a wide range of growing yet critical future markets:
Membranes in the hydrogen economy Thermal management for data centers Electric vehicles Low loss materials for 5G sustainable food packaging
There are many alternatives that could potentially replace PFAS in these emerging applications. These alternatives may be at different stages of technology readiness and market maturity, but by their status, providers, advantages, disadvantages, etc. analyzed, a critical assessment of these non-PFAS alternatives’ market potential can be developed. Some alternatives have the potential to significantly impact their application areas, while others have a much longer path to market penetration that involves solving major technical and economic challenges. Regardless, for anyone associated with emerging industries, the pressure is mounting to have a clear understanding of how future PFAS regulations may affect emerging high-tech industries, but also what commercial and developing alternative materials are available to contain PFAS in these industries. to replace.
For more information on the new IDTechEx report “Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) 2024: Emerging Applications, Alternatives, Regulations”, including downloadable sample pages, please visit www.IDTechEx.com/PFAS.
For the complete portfolio of sustainability market research from IDTechEx, please visit www.IDTechEx.com/Research/Sustainability.
About IDTechEx:
IDTechEx provides reliable independent research on emerging technologies and their markets. Since 1999, we have been helping our clients understand new technologies, their supply chains, market requirements, opportunities and forecasts. For more information, contact [email protected] or visit www.IDTechEx.com.
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Media contact:
Lucy RogersSales and Marketing [email protected] +44(0)1223 812300
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SOURCE IDTechEx
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