Pre-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are known as ‘forever chemicals’ due to their long half-life and high resistance to degradation. PFAS are often used in medical devices because of their ‘non-stick’ quality. However, these chemicals are likely to be banned in Europe from 2025 as a result of their toxicity to humans and the environment. An EU-wide ban will force manufacturers to seek out PFAS-alternatives. This presents an upside for manufacturers of PFAS-free materials but may also introduce supply-chain disruptions and regulatory hurdles in the medium-term.

In this piece, Marwood analyses the regulatory changes on the horizon in the medical device sector and the potential impact the PFAS ban may have on existing or potential assets.