Dear Valued Customer:
In 2006 the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched a PFOA Stewardship Program with eight major users of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA). The objective of the program with these specific companies is to eliminate making, using or buying PFOA by 2015 or sooner. PFOA is a synthetic chemical which can be used as a polymerization aid in fluoropolymer production. It is used in the manufacturing of many melt processible fluoropolymers (PFA, FEP), PTFE and some fluoroelastomers. PFOA is not part of the final fluoropolymer as it is removed or decomposed during polymer finishing and subsequent processing.
Entegris has been working for several months on evaluating resins produced without the use of PFOA. Based on test results to date, Entegris has not identified any significant material cleanliness or other physical performance differences. The company expects a seamless transition as the EPA PFOA stewardship program moves forward and is currently working on conversion plans with its material suppliers. The company expects to begin converting over to materials manufactured without the use of PFOA in March of 2013.
For further information, please contact your Entegris representative.