‘The ongoing use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in battery production is a concern that deserves to be discussed more,’ insists Clemence Siret, corporate sustainability manager at French battery manufacturer Saft. She raised the issue of these ‘forever chemicals’ at the recent International Congress for Battery Recycling in Berlin.
It’s common practice to use PFAS in the battery electrode manufacturing process as binders or auxiliary materials even though such chemicals have been under scrutiny for years over safety fears. The EU implemented a ban on the use of PFAS in food-contact packaging on 12 August. An over-arching ban is being evaluated.
Siret believes a ban is unlikely as there are no commercial alternatives. However, restrictions based on certain applications are on the table.
Extra caution
‘The drawback for a forever chemical is the utmost difficulty in destruction at end-of-life,’ explains Siret. ‘While the exact long-term health and environmental risks of PFAS in batteries have not yet been proven, I think it is hardly desirable to include substances that are virtually impossible to dispose of.
She warns of the implications of the surge in electric cars sales. ‘We’re talking about millions of batteries entering the market globally. What’s their PFAS legacy 10-15 years down the line? That’s too big of a question mark.’
Individual countries have adopted PFAS regulations in the last two decades. ‘Some rules are more detailed than others. In Europe, legislation covers all types of PFAS, including sub-families. What we need now is more research and transparency as well as additional risk management where PFAS usage will continue.’
Finding the answers
The EU’s innovation arm DG Grow has launched a pilot study of PFAS. It aims to find suitable, preferably sustainable, alternatives and make recommendations on risk management.
The EU has also launched a Risk Assessment Committee to oversee and report progress. It will deliver a dossier stating where PFAS use can safely continue, based on scientific and industrial feedback.
This rounds out work from the European Chemicals Agency. It includes a report on PFAS, which is due to be published before the end of the year.
‘We will see what happens as of 2027 when the EU has all the information,’ Siret concludes.
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