Resilinc Special Report
PFAS Bans and the Race to Eco-Friendly Supply Chains
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or “forever chemicals,” pose one of the most urgent threats to building eco-friendly supply chains. Once valued for their durability and longevity, PFAS are now facing major regulatory crackdowns. These measures are reshaping global compliance standards, exposing companies to costly redesigns, litigation, and potential supply shortages. As a result, PFAS restrictions are driving major shifts in supply chain projections, with rising compliance costs, fragmented regulations, and uncertain access to alternatives disrupting planning through 2030. While PFAS-free technologies show promise, they remain immature for mission-critical uses like aerospace and semiconductors. For supply chain leaders, navigating this transition effectively will require proactive mapping of PFAS exposure, accelerating innovation, and securing exemptions to remain competitive in the next decade.
- PFAS are embedded in defense, semiconductors, medical devices, and textiles, making substitutions highly complex and costly
- Lawsuits expected to expand across industries, with 3M’s $10.3B water contamination settlement setting precedent
- Firms accelerating alternatives such as silicone, bio-based, ceramic, and plasma technologies can capture first-mover advantage