Navigating PFAS Legislation - Risks and Opportunities for the Aerospace Supply Chain

Client Background

Our client is a prominent manufacturer and supplier within the aerospace industry, specialising in the production of various components essential to aerospace technology. Their product portfolio encompasses a range of materials, some of which historically included PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly referred to as 'forever chemicals'.

Challenge

The increasing regulation of PFAS chemicals in Europe and North America presented a significant challenge for our client. The aerospace industry, highly dependent on the unique properties of PFAS, faced the need to adapt swiftly. Our client sought to understand the evolving legislative landscape regarding PFAS in the European Union, assess the risks to their current product line, and identify opportunities for introducing PFAS-free alternatives.

Approach

Data Generation

The data generation process involved a comprehensive review of various sources, including:

• Current and proposed legislation on PFAS in the EU.
• Press releases and public statements from competitors.
• Policy positions from EU institutions and member states.
• Market research on PFAS usage and available alternatives in the EU.

Intelligence Generation

Foresight utilised its proprietary AI tools, complemented by expert interviews, to analyse the gathered data. This approach enabled a thorough understanding of the legislative landscape and industry trends.

Reporting

The final report provided detailed insights into:

• The current and anticipated future status of PFAS legislation in the EU.
• A competitor analysis highlighting market shifts and strategic responses to PFAS regulation.
• Evaluation of potential alternatives to PFAS for the client’s product portfolio.

Key Insights

• PFAS substances within the client's portfolio were identified as being regulated under the REACH Regulation, specifically listed on the Candidate List.
• The client’s product line could be further impacted by upcoming changes under both the Persistent Organic Pollutants Regulation and additional restrictions under the REACH Regulation.
• Notable industry shifts included major suppliers like 3M announcing plans to remove PFAS-containing products from the market by December 31, 2025.
• Several promising alternatives to PFAS were identified, with polyether ether ketone (PEEK) emerging as a particularly viable option for high-temperature applications.

Outcome

Armed with this comprehensive analysis, our client is now able to strategically pivot their product development and marketing strategies. They can now initiate R&D efforts focused on PFAS-free alternatives, particularly investing in the potential of PEEK for their high-temperature application products. By proactively adapting to the changing regulatory environment, our client cannot only mitigated the risks posed by PFAS legislation but also position themselves as a forward-thinking leader in the aerospace supply chain, ready to meet the demands of a more environmentally conscious market.