Tue, 24 September, 2024
TWI Technology Fellow, Dr Alan Taylor FRSC FIMMM presented on the changing landscape of PFAS regulations at a PFAS workshop in Brussels on 10 September 2024.
The workshop, which was hosted by Applied Market Information Ltd (AMI), was designed to dissect the effects of proposed legislation that may ultimately result in the ban of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and their derivative materials in the polymer industry.
Alan’s presentation highlighted some of the emerging high performance PFAS-free coating technologies and also provided useful guidelines on how to manage and reduce PFAS-related business risks to achieve a competitive advantage.
Alan’s presentation at this event gathered an audience of 80-90 people and garnered a lot of interest. Additionally, he was a moderator of a panel discussion, which lasted went over time due to the amount of questions raised due to uncertainty over the changing PFAS regulations.
About PFAS
PFAS are a diverse group of chemicals renowned for their durable properties and widely used in sectors ranging from chemicals to packaging. However, they pose significant environmental and health concerns due to their persistence, mobility, and bioaccumulation tendencies, which has led to regulatory pressures against their use. As a result, legislative changes are poised to reshape industry practices that could create supply chain risks as a result of restricted use or an eventual ban.
Upcoming
Dr Taylor due to speak at the SPE Middle East Additives and Colour Conference and PFAS Symposium in Saudi Arabia, which is taking place at the Riyadh Marriott Hotel in Riyadh from 16-17 October, 2024. You can find more about this conference and symposium, here.
In addition, Alan is also due to present at an event hosted by The Royal Society of Chemistry on 24 October 2024. The event, which is taking place in London, will explore how scientists are innovating new materials, as well as the implications of PFAS substitution across different industry sectors. You can find out more about this event, ‘PFAS Alternatives Workshop,’ here.