Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their environmental persistence, have become indispensable in many areas of modern manufacturing. Despite growing health and environmental concerns, the uses of PFAS remain widespread across industries because of their unique chemical properties especially their resistance to heat, water, and oil. From non-stick cookware and semiconductors to textiles and firefighting foams, PFAS continue to play a critical role in producing high-performance materials and products.
Whether you realize it or not, PFAS in consumer products is a widespread thing. These compounds are used to make items non-stick, water-repellent, or stain-resistant. You know those raincoats that shrug off water like a lotus leaf? Thank PFAS. Or those non-stick pans that let you flip eggs without breaking a sweat? Yep PFAS again.
You’ll also find them in:
Food packaging (especially those grease-proof burger wrappers or microwave popcorn bags)
Dental floss
Makeup and waterproof mascara
Carpet and upholstery treatments
Outdoor gear like tents and boots
The list goes on. And while that might sound a bit alarming, it’s a testament to just how useful these substances are at least from a functionality standpoint.
Let’s shift gears to how these materials are used behind the scenes. PFAS in manufacturing isn’t just about consumer convenience; it’s also about durability, efficiency, and performance in high-stress environments.
In electronics, PFAS-based coatings are used on wiring and circuit boards because they can withstand crazy levels of heat and electrical stress. In fact, their ability to act as insulators and resist degradation makes them ideal for semiconductors and high-speed data cables.
PFAS manufacturing processes have also made a big impact in aerospace and automotive applications. Components that need to survive harsh friction, chemical exposure, or extreme temperatures like fuel hoses or gaskets often rely on PFAS to hold it all together.
Even in textiles and industrial fabrics, PFAS-based coatings can be applied to give materials long-lasting protection against liquids and oils, boosting both lifespan and reliability.
The uses of PFAS go beyond the everyday. In cutting-edge industries, they’re often mission-critical.
For instance:
Medical devices: Catheters, surgical gowns, and other tools are often made with PFAS-based polymers because they’re flexible, sterilizable, and don’t break down easily.
Energy sector: PFAS can be used in fuel cells and solar panels to improve performance and efficiency.
Cleanrooms and labs: These environments need ultra-pure, contaminant-free conditions. PFAS materials help create non-stick, chemically inert surfaces that are easy to sterilize.
At Matregenix, we’re particularly interested in how next-gen materials including alternatives to PFAS can be integrated into safer, more sustainable processes without compromising performance.
There’s no denying that PFAS bring serious value to manufacturing. Their toughness, resilience, and versatility are hard to beat. But here’s the kicker: many PFAS don’t break down in the environment. Ever. That’s why they’re often referred to as "forever chemicals." Studies have raised red flags about their potential health effects, and there’s growing pressure globally to regulate their use.
For manufacturers, this means a balancing act leveraging the benefits of PFAS applications while exploring safer, greener alternatives. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about future-proofing innovation.
The uses of PFAS in modern manufacturing are broad, deep, and woven into the fabric of our daily lives literally and figuratively. From consumer products to high-tech medical tools, these chemicals have played a major role in advancing how we design, build, and use materials. But with great power comes great responsibility, and the industry is now tasked with finding ways to use PFAS smarter or replace them altogether.
At Matregenix, we’re constantly researching better, more responsible materials to help shape the future of advanced manufacturing. As PFAS regulations evolve, so will the science and we’re ready to lead that change.