In order to meet the requirements of our customers, the selection of materials plays a crucial role in the development and manufacture of every component of our products. Therefore, the rigorous implementation of a ban on PFAS would severely impact a large number of HAWE product families (over 2000 products and more than 70 product families).
In over 70 years on the market, HAWE Hydraulik has specialized in developing hydraulic products and solutions to meet the expectations of every customer. Each of the components used in our products is designed to meet the highest standards for quality and efficiency. In addition, over the years we have dedicated ourselves to manufacture environmentally friendly products that are characterized by pressure resistance, compactness, robustness, tightness and a long service life.
Major components such as sealing elements, cables and lines, coatings, electronic components and corrosion inhibitors contain fluoropolymers, such as PTFE and Teflon, which are included in the list of 10,000 substances covered by PFAS regulation. The physical and chemical properties of these materials allow our products to withstand various technical parameters, such as high temperatures and wear resistance.
Since the PFAS- Restriction proposal initiative gained momentum, HAWE has taken action by contacting suppliers and seeking solutions to achieve the proposal's goals. However, there are currently no alternatives to these fluoropolymers that are commonly used in our products. The fluoropolymers used at HAWE meet the OECD "Polymer of Low Concern" criteria and are considered non-toxic, non-bioavailable and non-water-soluble, and consequently have no significant impact on the environment or humans.
Therefore, the introduction of restrictions on PFAS without detailed and comprehensive evidence should be postponed or the current proposal should be re-evaluated and revised until new alternatives for these fluoropolymers are developed or exemptions are implemented based on their use in industry.