Can industrial sealing survive without PFAS?

For decades, fluoropolymers have been the default choice for valves, seals, bearings, and other critical industrial components. These materials became deeply embedded in processing equipment for their unique combination of chemical resistance, low friction, temperature stability, and durability. They were often considered the safest long-term option.

No longer.

Growing PFAS regulations, evolving customer expectations, and supply-chain uncertainty are forcing the industry to rethink the materials used in sealing systems.

Valves and seals at the centre of the PFAS transition

The challenge is particularly acute for valves and seals because they sit at the intersection of safety, reliability, and compliance.

Sealing materials must withstand aggressive chemicals, high temperatures, pressure fluctuations, cleaning agents, and constant mechanical wear, often simultaneously. Failure can result in leakage, contamination, downtime, and costly maintenance.

Historically, fluoropolymers solved many of these challenges in one material system. But with PFAS restrictions accelerating globally, manufacturers are increasingly under pressure to identify alternatives that maintain operational performance without introducing new risks.

And that is where the real complexity begins.

Not a simple material swap

Many manufacturers assume moving away from PFAS automatically means compromising performance. But the key is understanding the specific functional requirements of each application. Some applications prioritize low friction and wear resistance. Others demand dimensional stability, chemical compatibility, or resistance to repeated washdowns.

The most successful transition strategies focus on identifying which material properties are truly essential, not attempting to replicate every characteristic in a single material.

This requires close collaboration between OEMs, processors, and materials experts.

MCG’s approach: Partnering with OEMs to rethink sealing performance

We at Mitsubishi Chemical Group (MCG) help manufacturers navigate this transition through a combination of advanced polymer expertise and application-focused collaboration.

MCG works closely with OEMs and processors to evaluate operating conditions, performance priorities, and long-term compliance requirements. Our expanding portfolio of materials developed with non-fluorinated* chemistries includes:

As the PFAS transition accelerates, valve and seal manufacturers face a critical opportunity: not simply to replace materials, but to rethink sealing performance for the next generation of industrial systems.

The companies that act early will be best positioned to balance reliability, compliance, and long-term competitiveness in a rapidly changing market.

*Based on non-fluorinated chemistries (1) and a manufacturing process that does not intentionally add per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), as defined in the Annex XV restriction proposal published on 22nd March 2023. (1) Based on information provided by our raw material suppliers, and on knowledge of our finished product compositions.

Contact:           Jordan Allsop, Sales Engineer OEM
Email:               Jordan.allsop@mcgc.com
Tel No:              44 7515 060 599

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