Trelleborg Sealing Solutions will support the transition to PFAS-free materials while maintaining performance and safety standards. Dr. Konrad Saur, Vice President of Innovation, emphasized the company’s mission at a recent customer event.
“Our mission is clear: remain at the forefront of innovation while maintaining industry leadership. We act not just as a supplier but as a consultant and partner, working closely with customers to help them seamlessly transition to PFAS-free alternatives, without compromising on quality or performance,” he said.
Trelleborg PFAS-Free Materials Coatings
Trelleborg introduced advanced coating technologies such as FlexCoat NG and Seal-Glide PFAS-free solutions. These coatings meet emerging regulations while boosting manufacturing efficiency, Trelleborg said. They lower friction, extend seal life, and reduce overall costs. Seal-Glide also provides durability, color customization, and FDA-grade options for food and healthcare applications.
“The Turcon PTFE line has been engineered to be PFAS-surfactant-free, through innovations such as dual-layer PTFE recycling,” said Sören Roepstorff, Director Plastics Development. “The dual-layer innovation allows the combination of two functional layers of PTFE into a single seal. This not only doubles the potential functionality of the seal but also enables Trelleborg to use one layer with high recycled content while maintaining the highest performance level with the other. Trelleborg also advocates for PTFE’s role in supporting the transition to renewable energy and green hydrogen, underscoring its durability and performance in high-demand industries like e-mobility and aerospace.”
Transforming Fluoropolymer Sealing Solutions
The company also outlined its strategy for fluoropolymer sealing solutions. Trelleborg said it aims to balance sustainability with regulatory compliance. The Isolast FFKM range is expected to provide PFAS-free alternatives by 2025.
“Trelleborg is overcoming one of the most pressing challenges… replacing traditional fluoropolymers with PFAS-free alternatives. We do that by deploying state-of-the-art material science, adapting product design and leveraging customer partnerships,” said Dr. Monica Crudu, Manager Technology Strategy. “The company is unlocking new possibilities for more sustainable and efficient solutions.”
Dr. Matthias Peters, Director of Global Materials Compliance, underlined the company’s support for risk-based PFAS regulations. He called for clear distinctions between harmful low-molecular PFAS and safer substances such as fluoropolymers and fluoroelastomers.
