BYK Additives is delivering a strong message to the chemical industry and customers throughout the world. For years, BYK has been actively promoting extensive research efforts towards replacing its per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) with more environmentally compatible alternatives. Dr. Stefan Mößmer, Managing Director Marketing & Commercial: “As a leading manufacturer of additives, we have been pursuing a number of major research strategies in recent years, one of which is to replace additives containing PFAS with alternative substances. It’s not enough for us to be a leading innovator, we also want to help our customers phase out products containing PFAS by offering them differentiated alternatives at an early date and showing them new ways in the formulation of sustainable solutions with less environmental impact. Our specific goal is to offer fluorine-free solutions by the end of 2025 for our customers’ applications in which, currently, additives containing PFAS are still used. This is also the cut-off date at which BYK will ship the last batch of additives with PFAS content.”

BYK does use fluorinated alkyl compounds to a very small extent as raw materials in the manufacture of selected additives. These are chemically bound in the additives, are non-volatile, and are used only in closed or contained systems. They are found in a variety of product groups such as defoamers, surface additives, wax additives, etc., where they produce many special effects in architectural, industrial, wood and furniture coatings, printing inks, automotive coatings, corrosion protection systems, can or coil coatings, floor coatings, adhesives and sealants, polishes, and leather and PVC and as process additives in extrusion, injection molding, foils, and fibers.

Even today, the percentage of PFAS-containing additives in BYK's extensive product portfolio is very small. “As a leading innovator we are convinced that we can help customers phase out products containing PFAS by offering our pioneering alternatives at an early date and showing them new ways in the formulation of sustainable solutions”, explains BYK Division President Dr. Jörg Hinnerwisch: “BYK takes its responsibility as a leading additive manufacturer seriously and consistently focuses on forward-looking and sustainable solutions. Thanks to our special customer proximity and as a development partner to many major global customers, we identify trends at an early stage and are able to set the next milestone. Even before the EU or other legislative bodies table an exit schedule, we are converting our entire portfolio to sustainable products and PFAS-free production.”

Matthias Kramer, Managing Director Global Production: “BYK will not only be producing all of its additives free of PFAS by the end of 2025, but will also have converted all its production facilities worldwide to PFAS-free firefighting foam. To this end, BYK has invested heavily in new or modified firefighting equipment.”

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances have become the subject of discussion as an ultra-stable group of chemical compounds. They are therefore also termed “forever chemicals”. PFAS are almost entirely non-degradable and can accumulate in the environment, in human beings, and in animals.