Trelleborg Sealing Solutions innovations support the PFAS transition
Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, a global leader in polymer-based engineered solutions, demonstrates its progress on innovating for advanced and more efficient technologies supporting the PFAS transition.
Dr. Konrad Saur, Vice President of Innovation, told a recent Trelleborg customer event that the company’s mission is focused on guiding industries through the transition to PFAS-free materials while maintaining performance and safety standards.
"As regulations around PFAS tighten globally, our mission is clear - remain at the forefront of innovation while maintaining industry leadership. We act not just as a supplier but as a consultant and partner, working closely with customers to help them seamlessly transition to PFAS-free alternatives, without compromising on quality or performance," he said.
Dr. Saur outlined the innovations that are already supporting customers to remove PFAS from their supply chains.
Revolutionary PFAS-free coatings. Trelleborg recently introduced enhanced surface coating technologies like FlexCoat NG and Seal-Glide PFAS-free solutions designed to meet emerging regulatory standards while improving manufacturing efficiency. By reducing friction, extending the lifespan of seals and lowering total cost of ownership (TCO), these technologies demonstrate how innovation aligns with improved sustainability. Tailored for industries such as automotive, aerospace and medical, Seal-Glide surface modifications offer durability, color customization and FDA-grade options for use in food and healthcare applications.
Improved PTFE reduces environmental impact. Sören Roepstorff, Director Plastics Development, explained the importance of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in critical applications while highlighting Trelleborg’s strides in responsible use and innovation. “The Turcon PTFE line has been engineered to be PFAS-surfactant-free, through innovations such as dual-layer PTFE recycling. The dual-layer innovation allows the combination of two functional layers of PTFE into a single seal. This not only doubles the potential functionality of the seal but also enables Trelleborg to use one layer with high recycled content while maintaining the highest performance level with the other. Trelleborg also advocates for PTFE’s role in supporting the transition to renewable energy and green hydrogen, underscoring its durability and performance in high-demand industries like e-mobility and aerospace,” added Roepstorff.
Transforming fluoropolymer sealing solutions. Trelleborg presented its forward-thinking approach to fluoropolymer material innovations, focusing on balancing sustainability and regulatory compliance. With its Isolast FFKM range expected to offer PFAS-free alternatives during 2025, Trelleborg is leading the charge in materials reformulation. By collaborating with customers, the company ensures that the adoption of more sustainable materials meets stringent industry demands, particularly in sectors like semiconductors and chemical processing requiring high-performance solutions.
“Trelleborg is overcoming one of the most pressing challenges — replacing traditional fluoropolymers with PFAS-free alternatives — by deploying state-of-the-art material science, adapting product design and leveraging customer partnerships,” explained Dr. Monica Crudu, Manager Technology Strategy. “With extended material portfolios allowing for breakthroughs in sectors like semiconductors, food and beverage, hydrogen and electrification, the company is unlocking new possibilities for more sustainable and efficient solutions.”
Dr. Matthias Peters, Director Global Materials ＆ Compliance, reinforced Trelleborg’s advocacy for risk-based PFAS regulations during his keynote. He stressed the necessity of differentiating between harmful low-molecular PFAS and safer substances like fluoropolymers and fluoroelastomers. Collaborative efforts with policymakers aim to ensure balanced, evidence-based frameworks that support sustainability without disrupting essential applications in aerospace, medical devices and industrial manufacturing.
Dr. Saur added, “Each of these innovations cements Trelleborg’s leadership in setting new standards for performance and environmental responsibility. With a laser focus on guiding customers through regulatory transitions and delivering cutting-edge, more advanced solutions, Trelleborg continues to reinforce its role as an industry frontrunner.”
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