From Performance to Responsibility: PFAS Challenge in Filtration
PFAS – What Are They and Why the Concern?
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made chemicals used in many industrial and consumer products for their water and oil-repellent properties. Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are persistent in the environment and have raised concerns regarding potential long-term health effects. Particular substances, such as PFOA and PFOS, have already faced regulatory restrictions due to their ability to migrate into the environment and drinking water.
In the European Union, a broad restriction on the use of thousands of PFAS is under review by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), following a proposal by five Member States in 2023. ECHA updated the background documentation in 2025 to include stakeholder input and expand the sectors considered. Meanwhile, cases of PFAS contamination in drinking water have prompted local authorities to issue advisories or restrictions. In the U.S., federal enforceable limits exist for certain PFAS in drinking water, and several states are pursuing additional bans.
PFAS in Filtration Applications
In the filtration industry, PFAS are often used in the production of certain types of filter media, such as coalescing media, membrane materials, coatings, and seals. Their role is especially critical in applications that involve aggressive chemicals, extreme pH levels, or high operating temperatures. In such conditions, many conventional polymers where PFAS are not typically used in their production would degrade or fail. PFAS-based materials offer a unique combination of properties that are extremely difficult to replicate with non-fluorinated alternatives, which include:
- Chemical resistance suitable for aggressive environments
- Thermal stability under high temperature conditions
- Long-term durability for demanding applications
- Low surface energy, giving them unique hydrophobic and oleophobic properties
While PFAS-free alternatives can provide a level of water repellency, replicating the oil-repellent performance of PFAS remains a significant challenge. Non-fluorinated materials generally cannot match the unique combination of chemical resistance, thermal stability, and long-term durability that PFAS provides, making the development of high-performance PFAS-free media a complex and resource-intensive task.
Examples of PFAS-containing filtration components include:
- Treated filtration media: Certain PFAS-based treatments are used to help maintain efficiency under demanding chemical and/or thermal conditions and to improve the resistance to fouling. PFAS are also commonly used in coalescing media to enhance water and oil repellent performance.
- Seals and gaskets: Fluoropolymer-based materials are often used for compatibility with high temperatures, solvents, acids, and to prevent long-term leakage or material degradation.
Sealing applications, such as O-rings, gaskets, elastomer seals, and technical textiles, are now explicitly mentioned in ECHA’s 2025 updated PFAS restriction proposal. These uses are under review, reflecting their technical importance in many industrial systems.
PFAS in Energy Transition
The global push for climate action and industrial decarbonisation is driving the adoption of clean energy technologies. Applications such as electrolysers for hydrogen production, lithium battery manufacturing, and semiconductor fabrication may currently rely on PFAS-based materials for specific technical properties. At present, for some of these applications, validated large-scale non-fluorinated alternatives are limited.
Recognising these challenges, the ECHA’s updated PFAS restriction proposal considers potential time-limited derogations or controlled-use exemptions for sectors where alternatives are not yet technically or economically feasible. These derogations are still under review, and final decisions are expected only after 2026.
Cleanova’s Approach to PFAS Reduction
At Cleanova, we are committed to reducing PFAS in our product lines while maintaining proven reliability and performance. We are also encouraged by our customers who have shown strong interest in this transition, reinforcing the importance of sustainable innovation.
In addition to regulatory pressure, the PFAS supply chain is currently facing significant challenges. Some filtration media suppliers, for example, are experiencing difficulties in sourcing PFAS chemicals due to limited availability, rising demand, and the emerging regulatory restrictions. This adds urgency to our transition efforts and reinforces the importance of developing PFAS-free alternatives to ensure uninterrupted supply and consistent product performance.
Our first milestone has been the introduction of PFAS-free media in our GP-198 gas coalescers, designed to remove liquids and solid particles from gas streams, with efficiencies up to 99.99% on 0.3µm aerosols. This innovation represents a tangible step towards supporting a cleaner and safer planet.
A transition away from PFAS is not just a regulatory response but a shared responsibility that depends on close alignment with all involved parties:
- Industry Collaboration – The readiness of technically and commercially viable PFAS-free alternative materials will require significant investment in research, development, and scientific collaboration that the industry cannot overcome alone. Academic institutions, government-funded research programs, and regulatory parties all play a critical role in creating the conditions to drive this innovation.
- Supply Chain Alignment – A resilient and dedicated supply chain, one that shares our innovative and sustainable mindset, is essential to support us on this journey. Cleanova works closely with trusted partners who are equally committed to PFAS reduction, while ensuring consistent material quality, reliable performance, and cost-effective solutions.
- Customer Engagement – We believe our customers are not just impacted by this transition, but they are also partners in driving it forward. Many have expressed interest in our PFAS reduction efforts, as they, too, are interested in this shift within their processes. At Cleanova, we stand by transparency and open communication with our customers regarding the PFAS presence in our products, as well as any available alternatives.
The path to a global PFAS reduction is complex but necessary, and it must be approached with responsibility, innovation, and collaboration. At Cleanova, we strive to be more than just compliant; we want to be pioneers towards a more sustainable filtration. By aligning with our customers, suppliers, and industry partners, we are committed to building high-performance filtration solutions with a reduced reliance on PFAS, helping to build a cleaner and safer planet for all.
Get in touch for more information about our GP-198 coalescers featuring a PFAS-free media.
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