In recent years, the scientific community has increasingly tried to gain a better understanding of PFAS — a broad class of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) widely used in countless industrial and household products. Often called "forever chemicals," these substances can find their way into the air or water supply and take a long time to break down. Studies have linked PFAS to a variety of human and animal health-related problems, and regulatory bodies are now taking action.

Regulations Are Uncertain, but Arriving Soon

Impending PFAS regulations will potentially impact almost all facets of manufacturing including metal finishing processes. Here is a brief overview of the regulatory environment:

• Earlier this year, Europe's Chemical Agency (ECHA) proposed restrictions — pursuant to Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH) regulations — which are now under review and a public commentary period. Written rules are expected early in 2024.
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is also proposing rules and gathering stakeholder comments with the purpose of protecting surface waters and water tables. When implemented, they will identify PFAS substances and establish contamination limits.
• Various U.S. states and countries outside of the EU are beginning to establish their own regulations.

Who Should Be Concerned?

While all product manufacturers should monitor PFAS regulations, some companies that ship parts to international destinations should already be preparing for changes. But with so much regulatory flux involving thousands of chemicals and multiple regions, how can you be certain your protective coatings comply with new and evolving PFAS rules?

At Magnaplate, we offer a variety of surface treatments that take the guesswork out of PFAS compliance. For example, our 10K Series coatings are free of the PFAS that are often present in fluorocarbon-based coatings. The 10K Series can be applied to Nedox®, Tufram® and many of our other popular coatings so your parts can achieve the corrosion and wear resistance, hardness or low COF that our polymer coatings provide. Note that there is no PFAS in our anodizing process or the electroless nickel base that we apply, so the select Magnaplate polymers will ensure your engineered surface treatment will make the grade on your metal parts.

Our USDA/FDA-compliant 10K coatings were developed to deliver outstanding release properties to ferrous and non-ferrous parts exposed to extremely high temperatures, along with abrasion resistance, easy cleanup and excellent hydrophobic properties. Choose from the following coatings:

• 10K1. Performs at up to 950°F (510°C)
• 10K2. A water-based coating that withstands up to 950°F (510°C)
• 10K3. Offers the best release properties and performs at up to 850°F (454°C)

Get the Protection Your Parts Require With a PFAS-Free Coating

Because global efforts to rein in PFAS are still at an early stage, their potential impacts to manufacturers are unclear. In order to avoid compliance headaches as regulations unfold, you can fortify your parts with a coating that avoids PFAS-carrying fluorocarbons altogether. Magnaplate offers a variety of select PFAS-free coatings that will provide the protective characteristics your parts require as well as help prepare you for the coming regulations. Be sure to discuss your coating needs with us early in order to determine the right coating and polymer combination that will meet your requirements.

For more information, download our white paper.