Apex Dynamics products guaranteed PFAS free
At Apex Dynamics, all gearboxes, racks and pinions are guaranteed to be 100% PFAS-free. Perfluoroalkyl and polyalkylene substances (PFAS) are of great concern due to their harmful effects on both humans and the environment. These chemicals, known for their water and dirt-repellent properties, have low biodegradability and accumulate in the environment, leading to increasing risks. In order to limit these risks, Apex Dynamics has strict regulations in place to ensure the safety and durability of its products. In this article, we explain how and why.
The gearboxes, racks and pinions from Apex Dynamics are completely PFAS-free and therefore already comply with future rules, laws and requirements. That seems obvious, but if you zoom in on the components and treatments used, it is much more nuanced. For the metal parts (steel, aluminum), the lack of PFAS is not noticeable, but the sliding surfaces, coatings, paints, seals, lubricants and industrial adhesives must also be free of PFAS and that is much more nuanced.
Background of PFAS regulations
Regulations are being developed worldwide to combat the spread of PFAS. The Netherlands, together with countries such as Denmark, Germany, Norway and Sweden, submitted a restriction proposal to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in February 2023. This proposal aims for a comprehensive ban on PFAS, which will affect not only the production but also the import of products containing PFAS. Exceptions have only been made for medicines and pesticides, for which separate rules apply. The aim is to tackle the problem at the source and thus prevent further contamination.
The proposal states that all harmful PFAS substances (more than 10,000 in total) should be banned. This concerns both the production of PFAS and the production of products containing PFAS. The agency plans to have ratified the European regulation on a ban on PFAS by 2027.
Although terms like “PFAS regulation” are often used, specific legislation is still lacking for a large part of the more than ten thousand substances in the PFAS family. Product compliance is therefore subject to existing regulations, such as EU REACH and SVHCS, the US TSCA, and the UK POP regulations. However, in many countries the legislative process around PFAS is still ongoing and further specifications will only follow later.
Technical Compliance and Process Monitoring
In the production of Apex Dynamics products, PFAS-freeness is guaranteed at all levels. This means that no PFAS substances are added in the production process of, for example, seals and lubricants. Where PFAS could possibly be present, for example through raw materials from suppliers, is carefully assessed and controlled. All components – from metals and sliding surfaces to coatings, paints, seals, industrial adhesives and especially lubricants – comply with national and international regulations and are free of these harmful substances such as PFOS, PFOA, C9-C14 PFCAs and PFHxS.
Apex Dynamics will continue to review global regulations for additions and updates and act in accordance with the requirements of relevant PFAS regulations.
Support and PFAS-free declaration
Apex Dynamics offers its customers the possibility to request a “PFAS-free” declaration for their products. This gives customers the assurance that their choice for Apex Dynamics contributes to a cleaner future and compliance with the highest environmental standards.
