FETA responds to PFAS report
The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has published its report into the risks posed by per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), marking a significant step in shaping how the UK will regulate these widely used chemicals.
PFAS are a broad group of substances with very different properties and uses. While some have been linked to environmental and health concerns, others play a vital role in modern infrastructure, including refrigeration, heat pumps, building services, clean energy technologies and safety critical applications.
In its submission to the inquiry, FETA strongly supported action to protect the environment, while cautioning against a blanket approach that fails to distinguish between high risk uses and essential, tightly regulated applications.
It is encouraging that the Committee acknowledges several of these points. The report recognises that PFAS are not a single homogenous group and endorses the concept of “essential use”, accepting that some PFAS are currently irreplaceable without compromising safety, performance or the transition to Net Zero. The Committee also highlights the risk of unintended consequences, including regrettable substitutions and disruption to critical technologies.
At the same time, the EAC calls for stronger and faster regulatory action, particularly to restrict PFAS in non‑essential consumer uses and argues for more group based regulation to avoid delays. While this approach differs in emphasis from FETA’s call for case‑by‑case, impact‑based decision‑making, it underlines the importance of getting the detail right.
Chris Yates, FETA Chief Executive, commented: "For sectors represented by FETA, the challenge now is clear. Regulation must be proportionate, science‑based and internationally aligned, recognising existing controls such as F‑Gas regulation, leak‑prevention regimes and end‑of‑life recovery systems that already minimise environmental impact.
"FETA looks forward to continuing to work constructively with Government, regulators and Parliament to ensure PFAS policy protects health and the environment while safeguarding essential technologies that underpin energy efficiency, decarbonisation and the UK’s net‑zero ambitions. Getting this balance right will be critical for industry, consumers and the environment alike."
