The European Commission has taken strict measures under the REACH regulation to restrict the use of perfluorocaproic acid (PFHxA) and its related substances, a subcategory of perfluoroand polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This is different from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), which is evaluating potential restrictions on the entire PFAS group ("generic PFAS restrictions") following a proposal from five European governments in 2023. These persistent chemicals are known for their environmental mobility and potential health risks and require immediate regulatory action.

Learn about PFHxA and PFAS

    PFHxA is part of the broader PFAS family and consists of thousands of synthetic chemicals that are resistant to heat, water and oil. PFAS is often referred to as a "permanent chemical" that does not decompose naturally, but accumulates in the environment and the human body over time. PFHxA and its raw materials are highly mobile and persistent in water, which means they can spread long distances from the source of release, contaminating soil, groundwater, and even drinking water supplies.

Why PFHxA is worrying

    PFHxA-related substances are used in various consumer products due to their waterproof and antifouling properties. However, they are ubiquitous in consumer products such as textiles, food packaging and cosmetics, which means they are released into the environment throughout their life cycle, from manufacturing to disposal. Environmental and health risks associated with PFHxA include potential links to adverse health effects such as liver toxicity, thyroid dysfunction and developmental problems. Although PFHxA has been used as an alternative to the now-banned perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its environmental persistence and widespread use pose similar problems.

Scope and impact of new restrictions

The new restrictions under the REACH regulation will target several key applications of PFHxA:

Consumer textiles: raincoats and other items, use PFHxA to waterproof and antifouling.

Food packaging: Including products such as pizza boxes, which are usually treated with PFHxA to prevent oil stains.

Waterproof sprays and cosmetics: PFHxA is present in certain waterproof sprays and skin care products.

Fire foam: Particularly suitable for training and testing applications.

The regulation does not affect the use of PFHxA in other critical applications such as semiconductors, batteries or green hydrogen fuel cells, and there are currently no viable alternatives.

implementation time

    Restrictions on PFHxA will come into effect 20 days after publication in the Official Gazette of the European Union. Depending on the product category, the industry will have a transition period of 18 months to five years to comply with the new regulations. The timetable is designed to allow companies to transition to safer alternatives without causing significant economic disruption. Source: Huizheng Information