Taking the fight to PFAS ‘forever chemicals’

Just when we thought we might have a solution to the problem of high global warming potential refrigerants, global action against the use of “forever chemicals” linked to a multitude of products including synthetic refrigerants new and old raises a question over the long-term future of products like R1234yf – but mounting pressure to address the problem has spurred the emergence of an entire industry dedicated to overcoming the challenge of breaking down these seemingly indestructible substances.

What is the problem?

PFAS, an acronym for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are entirely human-made chemicals widely used for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. Referred to as “forever chemicals” because of their strong carbon-fluorine bonds that are highly resistant to degradation, they have been used for decades in many everyday products, including refrigerants, firefighting foam, non-stick cookware, food packaging, textiles and carpets, metal plating, electronics manufacturing, and in the production of certain plastics.