Across Europe, further regulation of PFAS is being developed. While the exact scope and implementation are still subject to decision-making, the direction is clear: the use of PFAS is facing increasing scrutiny and companies are looking more closely at alternatives.
For engineers, asset owners and manufacturers, this means that material choices must not only meet today’s technical requirements. Future regulations, product specifications and supply-chain requirements are becoming increasingly important as well.
What is PFAS?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of synthetic chemicals. Due to their specific properties, PFAS have been used for many years in a wide range of industrial products and processes, including certain coatings and lubricants.
At the same time, many PFAS are highly persistent in the environment. As a result, attention to the use and release of these substances has increased significantly in recent years.
Further restrictions on PFAS are also being developed at European level. The precise scope of a broad European restriction is still under development. For companies, it is therefore becoming increasingly relevant to understand where PFAS are present in their products and processes and, where possible, to look ahead to suitable alternatives.
PFAS in legislation and regulation
The increasing focus on PFAS is already reflected in various European regulatory frameworks.
One relevant example for the water sector is the European Drinking Water Directive (EU 2020/2184). This directive includes parametric values for PFAS in water intended for human consumption.
For organisations operating in drinking water and water infrastructure, this underlines the growing importance of managing PFAS throughout the supply chain.
At the same time, work is continuing at European level on a broader restriction on the use of PFAS. The final conditions and possible exemptions are still subject to decision-making.
PFAS-free material and product choices are therefore increasingly becoming part of risk management and long-term strategy.
What does this mean for bolted connections?
When selecting a fastener, attention is often focused primarily on the material of the bolt or nut. However, applied coatings and lubricants are also part of the complete bolted connection.
This is important because lubrication serves an essential function during assembly. It helps control friction and, particularly with stainless steel fasteners, helps reduce the risk of galling.
The challenge is therefore not simply to eliminate lubrication, but to select a solution that delivers the required technical performance without relying on PFAS.
PFAS-free dry lubrication as a conscious choice
PFAS-free lubrication is therefore increasingly becoming more than an environmental consideration.
For engineers, asset owners and manufacturers, it can be a conscious technical and strategic choice. Not only because of its performance during assembly, but also in relation to:
- compliance and evolving regulations;
- requirements from customers and throughout the supply chain;
- management of future material-related risks;
- long-term availability and suitability;
- the ambition to reduce dependency on PFAS-containing solutions.
Future-readiness is therefore increasingly becoming part of the technical product specification.
Lubo’s approach
At Lubo International, PFAS-free dry lubrication has been part of our fastening solutions for many years.
Our dry lubrication technology combines low and consistent friction with a clean, ready-to-use fastener. The lubrication helps reduce the risk of galling during assembly without the need to apply separate assembly paste or grease.
Lubo Fasteners therefore combine reliable technical performance with a PFAS-free solution that aligns with the increasing focus on compliance and future-ready material choices.
Applications
PFAS-free Lubo Fasteners are used in sectors where reliability, material selection and compliance play an important role, including:
- drinking water and water treatment;
- food processing;
- petrochemical applications;
- offshore and wind energy;
The specific requirements vary by sector and application. However, the need for reliable solutions that meet today’s requirements while anticipating future developments is becoming increasingly important.
Looking ahead starts with the choices we make today
PFAS regulation continues to evolve. This does not mean that organisations need to wait until every future requirement has been finalised before considering alternatives.
Particularly for installations and assets with long service lives, the material choices made today can remain relevant for many years.
PFAS-free fastening solutions therefore offer more than an answer to an environmental challenge. They can also form part of a broader strategy focused on technical reliability, compliance and long-term suitability.
Would you like to know what PFAS-free Lubo Fasteners could mean for your application? Our specialists are happy to help.