This strategic decision aligns GARDCO with emerging international regulations and growing market expectations, while underscoring the company’s commitment to environmental protection and customer wellbeing.
GARDCO, distributors, producers and designers of high-quality physical and inspection instruments for the paint, coatings and related industries, has announced a significant sustainability milestone: the worldwide phase-out of all products containing PFAS. The move covers all products containing Teflon, including Tecom applicators, Teflon-coated thermometers and disperser blades.
PFAS, widely referred to as 'forever chemicals' due to their persistence, bioaccumulation and ecological toxicity, have become the subject of increasingly stringent regulations across the globe. Several individual PFAS compounds, including PFOA and PFOS, are already restricted, and the European Union has introduced the first group-wide ban.
"Due to restrictions under chemical regulations there was an urgent need to phase out the PFAS products in our portfolio. Our decision is driven by an urgent need to protect sustainability, comply with global laws, and meet the needs of our customers," has stated James Fusco, Product Manager at GARDCO.
Key benefits of the transition include:
- Environmental:
Eliminating highly persistent and toxic substances, helping to safeguard ecosystems.
- Regulatory compliance:
Ensuring alignment with global standards and anticipating future legislation.
- Business opportunities:
Attracting customers who are actively seeking PFAS-free solutions.
- Efficiency:
Reducing regulatory complexity across departments and strengthening organisational sustainability.
- Market acceptance:
Enhancing perception by removing harmful chemicals from product ranges.
PFAS-free alternatives
GARDCO’s technical teams are managing the changeover to ensure customers experience no disruption to service or product performance. Effective non-stick alternatives such as Cerakote and other substitute materials are already in place for the affected lines.
The company is closely monitoring progress, keeping customers regularly updated, and introducing innovative, sustainable formulations designed to deliver the same trusted results without environmental compromise.