BYK has developed products that deliver formerly properties without the use of PFAS, marking a significant step towards more sustainable chemical solutions.
PFAS are known for being extremely persistent, bioaccumulative, and partly toxic, yet widely used for their exceptional water- and oil-repellent properties, durability under extreme conditions, and excellent electrical and thermal insulation.
As a matter of fact, BYK Additives has dedicated several years to intensive research, investment, and development aimed at replacing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
(PFAS) in its additives with more environmentally friendly alternatives.
The company is now proud to offer pioneering, sustainable PFAS-free solutions for almost its entire product range.
As a result, BYK will cease production of additives containing PFAS and ship the final batches of these products by the end of 2025. By that time, the company will also provide PFAS-free options for applications where PFAS additives are currently still in use.
At present, only a small fraction of BYK’s extensive product range contains PFAS additives. As a pioneer in innovation, BYK is confident it can help customers phase out PFAS-based products ahead of schedule by providing advanced alternatives and showcasing new formulation methods for sustainable solutions.
PFAS have attracted considerable attention as an exceptionally stable group of chemicals, often labelled “forever chemicals” due to their near-total resistance to breakdown. They can accumulate in the environment, as well as in humans and animals. Although BYK uses fluorinated alkyl compounds sparingly as raw materials in certain additives, these substances are chemically bound within the additives themselves.
PFAS-containing BYK additives have been used across various product categories such as defoamers, surface additives, and wax additives. Their applications span architectural and industrial paints, automotive coatings, corrosion protection, can and coil coatings, adhesives and sealants, polishes, leather, PVC, and as processing aids for thermoplastics.