Hundreds of Per-and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) chemicals that contain fluorine, sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals” because they currently have no known breakdown pathway in nature, are expected to be banned in the UK the Vending & Automated Retail Association has warned.
Members of this group of chemicals are very widely used in the vending industry but it is becoming clear that, in sufficient quantity, they can make people ill. Hundreds of compounds are expected to be banned in the UK, the
There are some 10,000 such chemicals and they are found in products like Teflon, Scotchgard, WD 40, firefighting foams, demoulding agents in the plastics industry and, of course, refrigerant gases. The discovery that the products are widespread in the environment and can cause harm to people has triggered a reaction among some legislators to ban some or all of them.
According to the AVA, it is an area where there is currently much more heat than light. Vending, along with most other industries has no idea at present where these chemicals are used in the industry or which of the uses are essential. The European Vending & Coffee Service Association has set up a working group to try to identify which compounds are used where and in what quantities so that the industry can have a meaningful discussion with legislators.
The legislation, which is going through Europe at present and almost certain to be passed before the end of this European Parliament in June, would lead to a progressive ban on many compounds starting in 2026.
While the UK would not be directly affected by a ban in Europe, few manufacturers are going to be making parts just for use in the UK, and in any case, the UK has its own plans to ban several hundred compounds.
The AVA has warned that all machine manufacturers, refurbishers, component and packaging suppliers will be affected by this issue and it is certain that some customers will be asking about it soon.
One thing that is already clear is that a certificate from an overseas manufacturer saying their products do not contain PFAS cannot solely be relied upon. Independent verification is going to be necessary, but collaboration could mean that the industry minimises costs of analysis.
The AVA will be providing updates on the subject when they become available.
