Companies Seek to Learn About Replacing PFAS
September 2, companies from Sweden and the rest of the Nordic region gathered for a knowledge-sharing event on replacing PFAS. The conference, organised by the Swedish Chemicals Agency on behalf of the Swedish government, is the largest environmental event during Sweden's presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers.
The title of the conference was "Nordic Conference on PFAS Substitution – Inspiration, Experiences and Tools." A significant part of the programme involved companies sharing their experiences in replacing PFAS. The conference was fully booked shortly after the invitation was sent out, with both large and small companies on the participant list.
"Companies want to build their knowledge about PFAS and alternatives. The market is demanding PFAS-free solutions, and that's why we've focused on providing inspiration and tools to replace PFAS. This knowledge is in high demand and is key to phasing out these hazardous chemicals”, says Per Ängquist, Director General of the Swedish Chemicals Agency.
The Nordic countries have extensive experience in research within this field, gathering data, and carry out regulations. The issue has been a priority for all Swedish governments since the early 2000s. Sweden, together with Denmark, Norway, Germany, and the Netherlands, has also submitted a broad restriction proposal to ban PFAS within the EU.
"The proposal we've put forward would have the greatest impact in minimising people's and the environment's exposure to PFAS. Therefore, it's crucial that we secure a restriction within the EU”, says Per Ängquist.
The conference was held in Stockholm. The Swedish Climate and Environment Minister, Romina Pourmokhtari, gave the opening address, and documentation from the entire day will be available for everyone later this autumn on the Nordic Council of Ministers' website, norden.org/en
External link.. The conference was a collaboration between the Nordic Council of Ministers, the Government Offices of Sweden, and the Swedish Chemicals Agency.
Read more about our work with PFAS External link..
Opening speech by the Swedish Climate and Environment Minister, Romina Pourmokhtari. External link.