Battery makers face concerns over PFAS use

The battery sector is facing concerns over the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as ‘forever chemicals’, in battery production. Clemence Siret, corporate sustainability manager at Saft, a French battery manufacturer, raised this issue at the recent International Congress for Battery Recycling in Berlin.

PFAS are commonly used in the battery electrode manufacturing process as binders or auxiliary materials, despite being under scrutiny for years over safety fears. The EU has implemented a ban on the use of PFAS in food-contact packaging, and an over-arching ban is being evaluated.

Siret believes a complete ban is unlikely due to the lack of commercial alternatives. However, restrictions based on certain applications are being considered. She explains that the difficulty in destroying PFAS at end-of-life is a major concern, and it is undesirable to include substances that are virtually impossible to dispose of in battery production.

Siret warns of the implications of the surge in electric cars sales. ‘We’re talking about millions of batteries entering the market globally. What’s their PFAS legacy 10-15 years down the line? That’s too big of a question mark.’

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Individual countries have adopted PFAS regulations over the last two decades, with varying levels of detail. In Europe, legislation covers all types of PFAS, including sub-families. Siret emphasizes the need for more research, transparency, and risk management where PFAS usage will continue.

The EU’s innovation arm, DG Grow (European Commission’s Directorate-General for Growth), has launched a pilot study to find suitable and sustainable alternatives to PFAS and make recommendations on risk management. A Risk Assessment Committee has also been launched to oversee and report progress, and will deliver a dossier stating where PFAS use can safely continue.

This work builds on a report from the European Chemicals Agency, which is due to be published before the end of the year. Siret concludes that the outcome of these efforts will become clear by 2027, when the EU has all the information.