FPA-free - What does this mean in relation to PFAS

The discussion surrounding PFAS – per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances – has increasingly brought the environmental and health compatibility of fluorinated materials into focus. As a responsible manufacturer of high-quality sealing materials, KLINGER Dichtungstechnik aims to contribute to clarity and orientation through clear, fact-based communication.

In the future, KLINGER top-chem will continue to be produced using the same raw materials, however, the PTFE used will be manufactured with alternative processing aids – that is, without harmful PFAS. This transition is part of our comprehensive commitment to an environmentally responsible supply chain and aligns with our current statement on European PFAS activities: Download statement here

At KLINGER Dichtungstechnik, we have given careful consideration to how we can communicate this clearly and transparently. That is why we will use the term “FPA-free” in our customer communication going forward.

What is FPA?

FPA stands for „fluorinated polymerisation aids“. The term is already used in relevant technical literature and refers to auxiliary substances employed in the production of fluorinated polymers such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).

These additives belong to the PFAS group, and their use is increasingly being questioned from a regulatory perspective. As a result, many customers are specifically requesting products that are entirely free from FPAs.

What exactly does “FPA-free” mean?

“FPA-free” is not an official or standardised designation defined by regulation. It is a term adopted from the scientific literature that we at KLINGER Dichtungstechnik use to make our product communication more precise – particularly regarding our top-chem product range.

By using the term “FPA-free,” we make it clear that no FPAs (fluorinated polymerisation additives) are used in either the raw materials or the production process.
This means that the entire supply chain is free from PFAS-based processing aids.

Why do we use the term “FPA-free”?

Since PTFE is chemically classified within the PFAS group, a claim such as “PFAS-free” would not be correct for our top-chem products. To communicate transparently which PFAS-related substances are not used in the manufacturing process, KLINGER Dichtungstechnik deliberately uses the term “FPA-free.”

Responsibility through transparency

At KLINGER Dichtungstechnik, we are committed to the responsible use of fluorinated materials. With the introduction of the term “FPA-free,” we aim to contribute to greater clarity in the PFAS discussion – avoiding misleading simplifications while affirming our commitment to technical innovation and customer orientation.

Customer benefit: Acting proactively – ensuring availability

At the European level, various approaches to regulating PFAS are currently under discussion – ranging from a complete ban to differentiated regulatory models.
Using FPA-free PTFE may offer an opportunity to remain exempt from future restrictions.

By proactively switching to FPA-free PTFE, KLINGER Dichtungstechnik is already ensuring that our top-chem products will remain available in the future – enabling our customers to plan with confidence and long-term security.