Statement on possible ban of PFAS

KSB informs about pending PFAS restrictions

Update to the information from July 2023

At the beginning of 2023, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published a proposal for the restriction of all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This proposed regulation would restrict the manufacture, use and sale of all PFAS substances, including long-chain polymer component materials.

ECHA's Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) are now assessing the proposed restriction. This work is still in progress and a clear deadline for a final decision has not been announced.

KSB is committed to advancing sustainability, aligning with the European Union's goals to safeguard the environment and human health from chemical risks. At the same time, KSB advocates for a responsible, differentiated and scientifically based approach to PFAS regulation.

Currently, no usable substitutes are commercially available with the same material properties for several processes and products that use PFAS. It is unlikely that appropriate substitutes for a complete replacement of some PFAS-containing components will be developed, tested and approved in the short-to-medium term.

KSB is working to provide transparent information about PFAS in its products. For certain applications where harsh conditions prevail, these components provide invaluable qualities needed for handling extreme temperatures, corrosion, aggressive chemicals and intense abrasion. Where applications require robustness against a variety of fluids, these components contribute significantly to meeting our customers' high-performance needs.

Looking forward, KSB continuously evaluates the development of suitable alternatives and innovative material modifications to meet safety and environmentally sustainable requirements. EU and global restrictions will be closely monitored to ensure compliance, with detailed updates provided as soon as they are available. KSB remains dedicated to being a trusted, reliable partner.

Information from July 2023:

KSB informs about the consequences a general ban on PFAS would have

• The international pump and valve manufacturer KSB would be affected by a general ban on PFAS compounds, especially when used in component materials.
• KSB uses long-chain polymer materials in products for applications in the pharmaceutical industry, food and beverage industry, water and waste water treatment, oil and gas industry, chemical industry and energy sector.
• A general ban would directly impact the following components, for example: sealing elements for casings (gaskets, O-rings), shaft seals (mechanical seals, packing rings), pump and valve lining (e.g. liners), cables for submersible borehole pumps, plain bearings of pumps and valves, electronic equipment for pumps and valves.
• Should a general ban come into force, this would threaten the jobs of up to 30 % of KSB’s workforce based on the present situation. 
• From a technical viewpoint, no alternative substance is available yet that is equivalent in resistance and longevity. 
• The risk potential of different PFAS compounds has to be assessed individually, both in production and use. Long-chain polymer component materials have been proven not to pose a relevant risk for humans and the environment. 
• For this reason, KSB clearly supports a differentiated approach: Long-chain polymer component materials that do not pose a relevant risk have to be excluded from the PFAS ban.