FluoroCouncil Members are Constantly Innovating & Creating Better Technology
Negative news stories about some of the older fluorinated chemistries have dominated the headlines over the last few years. For example, there have been numerous stories about the discovery of PFOA in the drinking water in Hoosick Falls, New York.
It is important to note that the major manufacturers in the U.S., Europe and Japan, including FluoroCouncil member companies, have worked with regulators to successfully phase out PFOA and related long-chain fluorotelomer-based products, virtually eliminating these chemicals from their products and facility emissions globally. The new fluorinated chemistries have a significantly improved environmental and human health profile over their predecessors.
Unfortunately, not all FluoroTechnology manufacturers have made the same stewardship commitments as the members of the FluoroCouncil. Production and use of the older fluorinated chemistry continues by some companies in China, India and elsewhere, without commitments to regulators to reduce emissions or product content. The FluoroCouncil and its members are working with regulators to support the transition to fully adopt these new chemistries.
Best Practices
Another major goal of the FluoroCouncil is the adoption by the entire value chain of Best Available Techniques (BAT) and Best Environmental Practices (BEP) when using FluoroTechnology products.
For example, the FluoroCouncil worked with the textile industry to develop BEP guidance that will help mills and finishers understand how to minimize waste and environmental releases, while also keeping desirable fluorinated products in their textile products. We have also worked with the Fire Fighter Foam Coalition on the best available practices for the fluorinated chemistries used in fire fighter foam.