#Canada #Ottawa #Supply Chains #PFAS #Assent Inc.

Assent Inc. Uncovers 695 Unique PFAS in Global Supply Chains

In a significant development, Assent Inc., a frontrunner in supply chain sustainability management, announced critical findings regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in manufacturing. Their latest report reveals an alarming increase in the presence of these chemical compounds, identified in over 695 unique forms across global supply chains. This information comes as manufacturers face mounting pressures to comply with stringent regulations surrounding these substances.

Data derived from more than 4.5 million supplier disclosures indicates a 30% rise in identified PFAS, reflecting a growing understanding among suppliers about these chemicals. Currently, 3% of analyzed parts contain at least one intentionally added PFAS. This represents a considerable challenge for manufacturers tasked with managing or replacing parts embedded with these substances.

Notably, over 80% of Assent’s clients have already reported identifying PFAS within their supply chains. Among these, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) stands out, appearing in over half of the positive declarations due to its prevalent use in applications requiring non-stick properties. This underscores the urgent necessity for manufacturers to reevaluate their inventory and supply chain practices to mitigate risks associated with PFAS.

Moreover, a staggering 82% of clients who have detected PFAS are facing declarations with multiple PFAS variants present, intensifying the complexity of risk management. With over 250,000 declarations filed that include these substances, it is evident that PFAS are not merely common; they are intricately woven into various aspects of supply chains.

The Top 10 Identified PFAS

The ten most frequently reported PFAS, ranked by prevalence, are as follows:
1. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
2. 1,1-Difluoretylen-hexafluorpropen-polymer (PVDF)
3. 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-Tridecafluorooctyl methacrylate
4. Potassium 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,4-nonafluorobutane-1-sulfonate (PFBS salt)
5. Perfluoroethylene propylene copolymer
6. 1-Propene, 1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoro-, polymer with 1,1-difluoroethene and tetrafluoroethene
7. Ammonium pentadecafluorooctanoate (APFO) [PFOA salt]
8. Ethene, 1,1-difluoro-, homopolymer
9. Propane, 1,1,1,2,2,3,3-heptafluoro-3-[(1,2,2-trifluoroethenyl)oxy]-, polymer with 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethene
10. Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)

Cally Edgren, Assent’s Vice President of Regulatory Sustainability, emphasized the unprecedented implications of using PFAS in compliance contexts over the past 30 years. Edgren urged manufacturers to thoroughly assess their usage of PFAS to explore alternatives, which is crucial to avoid manufacturing delays, ensure regulatory compliance, and manage potential legal liabilities.

The regulatory landscape surrounding PFAS is growing increasingly intricate, with numerous global measures enacted to address health and environmental concerns. The last few years have seen a surge in litigation related to PFAS usage, prompting changes in insurability and resulting in parts becoming obsolete. As such, there is an essential need for companies to identify and manage the risks associated with these substances actively.

Urgent Need for Action

As the global regulatory framework continues to tighten around these “forever chemicals,” firms are being urged to adopt advanced tracking and reporting solutions for PFAS, ensuring they remain compliant while mitigating risk exposure. As highlighted by Nathan Goldstein, Senior Manager, EHSQ at Verdantix, the growing body of research on PFAS highlights their severe impact on human health, reinforcing the urgency to identify suitable substitutes within supply chains.

Assent's customers rely heavily on the company's PFAS solution, gaining vital insights to navigate regulatory requirements and reduce associated risks. With the most comprehensive view of PFAS data in the market, Assent empowers manufacturers to face the dynamic landscape of chemical regulations confidently.

To learn more about Assent's PFAS solutions and access further data insights, you can visit their website and download the full infographic detailing these findings.

About Assent Inc.

Founded in 2010, Assent is a leading player in supply chain sustainability management, focusing on integrating platform, people, and supplier intelligence to enhance compliance. Their AI-powered solutions assist with risk analysis and streamline documentation processes, enabling businesses to efficiently navigate complexities while fostering growth.