In the context of increasingly stringent environmental regulations, in particular the restriction of the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), igus®, the leading company in engineering plastics technology, has pioneered the development of a PFAS- and PTFE-free performance plastic material iglidur®. The new material not only meets the industry ’s stringent technical requirements but also helps to reduce the negative impact on the environment.

PFAS – a global concern

PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are a group of synthetic chemicals with high water, oil, and heat resistance properties. They are used in many fields such as the electronics, aerospace, medical, and automotive industries . However, because they are extremely slow to degrade, PFAS accumulate in the environment and food chain, posing serious risks to human health and ecosystems. Studies have shown that long-term exposure to PFAS can lead to cancer, affect the immune system, and cause endocrine disruption.

As a result, many countries and international organizations, including the European Union (EU) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are tightening regulations on the use of PFAS in industrial products, posing a major challenge for businesses in finding safer alternative materials.

PFAS are ubiquitous in our environment. Source igus Vietnam

igus® and PFAS -free solutions

With the mission of developing sustainable solutions for industry, igus® has researched and introduced PFAS-free iglidur ® material. This material is a breakthrough, offering superior features such as:

Self-lubricating: Reduces friction and increases performance without the use of grease.

High wear resistance: Meets harsh operating requirements in many industries.

Environmental protection: PFAS free, helps reduce pollution and complies with chemical safety regulations.

igus® has conducted field tests with iglidur® materials to ensure that their durability and performance are equivalent or superior to previous products containing PFAS. The test results show that the new material is able to withstand continuous loads and operation without any degradation in quality.

iglidur® materials are free of the “forever chemicals” PFAS, protecting the environment. Source igus GmbH

Impact on industry

Replacing PFAS-containing materials in industrial production is a major challenge, but also an opportunity for companies to innovate and become more sustainable. With the launch of iglidur®, igus® not only helps companies comply with new environmental regulations, but also provides an optimal solution to improve operational performance.

Industries such as automotive, food, pharmaceutical, and mechanical equipment manufacturing will benefit greatly from these PFAS-free materials. In particular, eliminating PFAS from the supply chain will help companies build a green, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible brand image.

Future direction

The introduction of PFAS-free iglidur® materials is part of igus®’s long-term strategy to develop materials that are not only durable but also environmentally friendly. The company is committed to continuing to research and apply innovative technologies to create greener solutions that help protect the planet.

The igus® laboratory - where all products are tested and verified. Source igus GmbH

In the future, igus® plans to expand its PFAS-free product portfolio and work with environmental organizations to raise awareness of chemical pollution in industry. This will not only benefit the company, but also contribute to a safer working and production environment.

Conclude

The elimination of PFAS from industrial products is not only a legal requirement, but also a responsibility towards the environment and human health. With iglidur® materials from igus®, it has been demonstrated that technological innovation can go hand in hand with environmental protection. This is not only a major step forward for the materials industry, but also a strong commitment by igus® to sustainable development.