The European Parliament’s Policy Department for Transformation, Innovation, and Health has recommended regulating PFAS through the existing F-gases regulation rather than imposing new PFAS restrictions.
The study, requested by the Industry, Research, and Energy Committee (ITRE), examines the role of PFAS in EU industrial competitiveness and the potential impact of restricting F-gases.
Recommendation to Exclude F-Gases
The report advises excluding F-gases from the scope of future PFAS restrictions. Instead, all regulatory control of F-gases should remain within the current F-gas framework.
“This approach allows the development of alternatives gradually while ensuring Europe retains its capacity to innovate in green technologies,” the report states.
Current PFAS Restriction Proposals
The study responds to proposals from Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark to restrict PFAS under the EU’s REACH regulations.
The proposed bans target gases such as R125, R134a, R143a, and HFOs R1234yf and R1234ze(E). These substances make up nearly all low-GWP HFC/HFO refrigerant blends.
One notable refrigerant outside the PFAS definition is R32.
Substitution of F-Gases Often Unfeasible
The research examined six key fluoropolymers and F-gases used in aerospace, defence, green energy, and semiconductor sectors.
It found that substitution is often not feasible, especially in aerospace, defence, and semiconductors.
Potential restrictions could cause economic losses and job impacts and threaten the EU’s global competitiveness.
Heat Pumps and Green Technology
The report highlights heat pumps as a key technology for meeting the European Green Deal and Fit-for-55 targets.
Although non-fluorinated alternatives exist, they are still developing and cannot fully replace F-gases yet.
Cost and performance challenges limit the potential for substitution.
Existing F-Gas Regulation Offers Flexibility
The report explains that the current F-gas Regulation already covers many F-gases and their uses. It also includes mechanisms to update rules as technologies and alternatives evolve.
This allows a more nuanced approach to phasing out harmful gases while fostering the gradual development of alternatives.
The approach is less disruptive to industry while maintaining Europe’s capacity for innovation.
