Orgalim pushes for a REACH-able PFAS solution

But beyond the technical details, the debate increasingly centred on a broader political question: how can Europe reduce environmental and health risks while also protecting its industrial competitiveness?

Mateos highlighted that PFAS are used in a wide range of strategic technologies, including semiconductors, batteries, renewable energy equipment and advanced manufacturing. In many cases, industries still lack viable alternatives that can deliver the same performance and safety standards.

Participants also noted that the political context around PFAS is evolving. While the discussion originally emerged under the European Green Deal, increasing attention is now being placed on competitiveness, resilience and industrial security under the Clean Industrial Deal agenda.

Another key point raised during the session was ECHA's updated background analysis, which recently expanded the assessment to include eight additional industrial sectors - a sign of the growing economic and industrial implications tied to the proposal.

Across discussions, a common message emerged: policymakers will need to strike a careful balance between environmental ambition and industrial realism. Speakers warned that overly broad restrictions risk creating unintended consequences for Europe's technology industries at a time when the EU is pushing to accelerate the green and digital transition.

The issue has also gained visibility across Brussels policy circles in recent weeks. Arthur Vandenberghe, Vice-Chair of Orgalim's Chemicals Task Force and representative of FIM, presented Orgalim's priorities during a European Parliament breakfast hosted by MEP Köhler, while Orgalim's key messages were also shared during a webinar organised by Plastics Europe's Fluoropolymers Product Group.

As the SEAC consultation continues and attention turns towards the Commission's next move, one message stood out clearly from the Brussels debate: Europe's approach to PFAS could become a defining test of how the EU balances sustainability goals with industrial competitiveness in the years ahead.