PFAS in Gasket Materials

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals that resist heat, water, and oil, making them widely used in industrial and consumer products. However, phasing out PFAS from gaskets, seals, and adhesive solutions has become essential due to increasing regulatory pressure. At PGC, we assist our customers in transitioning to PFAS-free materials, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations such as the European Union’s REACH standards and the U.S. EPA limits on PFAS in drinking water. This proactive approach ensures regulatory compliance and positions our customers as leaders in sustainability.

As environmental and regulatory demands rise, the development of PFAS-free gasket materials is gaining momentum. Innovative alternatives that match the performance of traditional PFAS-containing materials are now available. These alternatives offer superior resistance to heat, chemicals, and mechanical stress while eliminating the environmental persistence and toxicity associated with PFAS. Advancements in polymer science, composite materials, and surface treatments are driving this shift, leading to solutions that meet the needs of various industries, including chemical processing and food production.

PGC is at the forefront of this transition, actively researching and developing viable PFAS-free alternatives. Non-fluorinated options such as thermoplastics, elastomers, and advanced rubbers—including EPDM, HNBR, and silicone—have proven effective due to their excellent chemical resistance, thermal stability, and durability. These materials can also be enhanced with additives or reinforcements, making them suitable for high-performance applications like automotive sealing and water systems, where they can withstand ozone, heat, and steam.

In addition to traditional polymers, bio-based and biodegradable materials emerge as sustainable alternatives. Recent innovations in nanotechnology and surface engineering are helping achieve the necessary performance characteristics without relying on harmful chemicals. PGC is exploring engineered cellulose-based composites and bio-elastomers that offer excellent chemical and thermal resistance while minimizing environmental impact.

While progress is underway, challenges remain in achieving widespread adoption of PFAS-free gasket materials. Meeting the rigorous performance demands of critical sectors such as aerospace and chemical processing requires extensive testing and validation. PGC’s Application Engineers are dedicated to developing non-fluorinated polymers tailored to enhance performance in these high-demand industries.

The transition to PFAS-free gasket materials relies on collaboration across the supply chain. Manufacturers, suppliers, and end-users must work together to ensure these materials meet performance standards while addressing growing environmental and health concerns. By fostering open communication and collaborative research, the development and adoption of sustainable gasket solutions can be accelerated. PGC is partnering with industry associations to facilitate knowledge sharing and drive innovation.

Eliminating PFAS from gasket materials is vital to reducing environmental and health risks. Achieving this goal requires a multi-faceted strategy that combines scientific innovation, regulatory compliance, and industry collaboration. By prioritizing sustainability and leveraging advancements in material science, the gasket industry can significantly reduce PFAS pollution while maintaining the high-performance standards necessary across a wide range of applications.