UK’s first-ever plan to tackle ‘forever chemicals’

What the plan signals

PFAS are used across a wide range of applications due to their oil-, water-, and stain-resistant properties. They can also be challenging to substitute in certain uses. The plan recognises this complexity and focuses on building a more consistent approach across agencies and departments, rather than relying on ad hoc action.

Key themes include:

• Improving the UK’s understanding of where PFAS are used and released into the environment
• Strengthening monitoring and data collection (including in water and waste streams)
• Supporting research and evaluation to understand exposure pathways and impacts
• Using the evidence to guide proportionate, targeted controls where needed

Why it matters for regulated businesses

For companies that manufacture, import, formulate, or use PFAS (or that may have PFAS in articles and mixtures), the plan is a signal that expectations on transparency and evidence are likely to increase. Even where near-term restrictions are not imminent, the direction of travel is towards tighter oversight, more consistent reporting, and clearer accountability for emissions and downstream exposure.

This has practical implications:

• Supply chain due diligence: Better visibility on PFAS content, uses, and substitutions will reduce surprise compliance work later.
• Data readiness: Businesses may need to produce credible data on use volumes, function, alternatives, emissions, and risk management measures.
• Product strategy: Where alternatives exist, proactive substitution can reduce future regulatory and reputational risk.
• UK REACH alignment: PFAS workstreams may feed into UK REACH restriction or other control processes over time.

What to do next

If PFAS are present in your portfolio, now is a good time to map PFAS-containing products and processes, identify high-exposure or high-emission scenarios, and evaluate feasible alternatives. Monitoring developments across UK departments and regulators will be important, as the plan is designed to coordinate and accelerate future action.