This development is largely driven by the intensifying regulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) worldwide, which includes the current restriction process in the EU.
The industry is working on replacing fluorinated processing aids wherever technically feasible, aiming to ensure the long-term availability of fluoropolymers such as FKM and PTFE in the EU. This change affects the manufacturing processes of various classes of fluoropolymers.
Only the previously used processing aids are being replaced, while the fluoropolymers themselves are untouched. Nevertheless, seal manufacturers must adapt their product components to the raw materials made without fluorosurfactants. They also have to verify that nothing changes in regard to their approvals and technical properties. This determines whether plant operators can continue to obtain seals with their expected quality over the long term.
Testing for use in food production
Freudenberg Sealing Technologies is working closely with its suppliers to validate polymers made without fluorosurfactants and integrate them into its materials. As part of this process, a cross-functional team evaluates each material individually and coordinates the change with affected customers according to their specific needs.
The food and beverage industry has two central requirements: The materials must be approved for direct food contact and withstand regular cleaning and sterilization in CIP and SIP processes with acidic and alkaline cleaning agents as well as hot steam. Freudenberg Sealing Technologies verifies this through application-oriented integration tests under worst-case conditions carried out in its own laboratories.
75 FKM 725: the FKM for the food industry
75 FKM 725 is based on a polymer made without fluorosurfactants (FSF technology) and used in applications where aggressive media or high temperatures cause EPDM or HNBR to reach their limits. Thanks to its broad material resistance, it is suitable for contact with citrus juices, aromatic oils and high-fat dairy products, among others.
This is a peroxide cross-linked material and therefore contains no bisphenols, which makes it compliant with EU Regulation 2024/3190. It covers a temperature range of −25 °C to +200 °C and is available as an O-ring, customized molded part and diaphragm. 75 FKM 725 is approved under standards including EC Regulation 1935/2004 and FDA 21 CFR 177.2600. Additional relevant approvals for the food and pharmaceutical industries are in place for Europe and the United States.
75 Fluoroprene® XP50: the high-performance material
75 Fluoroprene® XP50 kicks off a new generation within the Fluoroprene® XP material family. It is the first material in this range to be based on a polymer made without fluorosurfactants. It will partially replace the existing XP40 and XP41 variants and is colored dark gray instead of blue for clear identification. It retains the reliable properties of its family, including particularly high resistance to cleaning agents and hot steam. There is also a minimal transfer of flavor.
This makes XP50 especially well-suited for the beverage industry with its frequent switches between different products. The material can be used in temperatures ranging from −15 °C to +200 °C and is available as an O-ring, diaphragm and machined seal. 75 Fluoroprene® XP50 is approved under standards including EC Regulation 1935/2004 and FDA 21 CFR 177.2600. Additional relevant approvals for the food and pharmaceutical industries are in place for Europe and the United States. The company is already developing additional materials in this family.
“The transition to manufacturing processes without fluorosurfactants affects the entire fluoropolymer supply chain. We actively supported this process together with our suppliers and tested the polymers against our customers’ requirements. Now we can offer the food and beverage industry materials that will remain available over the long term and are approved for contact with the products,” says Dr. Ruth Bieringer, Vice President Technology & Innovation at Freudenberg Sealing Technologies.