Innovating Beyond Fluoropolymers: Our PFAS-Free* Liner Solutions

PFAS regulations are advancing quickly across multiple regions. In the United States, states such as Maine, California, and Minnesota have already implemented restrictions on the use of PFAS in specific product categories. In Europe, Denmark has taken a leading role with strict limitations, and the European Union is currently reviewing a comprehensive PFAS restriction proposal under the REACH framework. This proposal, backed by Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, aims to phase out the production, sale, and use of PFAS-containing articles, including imported goods, over the coming years.

In parallel, global regulatory bodies are expanding their definition of PFAS substances. The OECD has identified over 4,700 PFAS chemicals, and some analyses under REACH extend this list beyond 9,000 compounds. This complex and growing regulatory environment, combined with rising public and environmental concerns, has created significant challenges for packaging and closure manufacturers who have historically relied on fluoropolymer-based materials.

For many diagnostic, laboratory, and pharmaceutical applications, cap liners have traditionally included fluoropolymers, such as PTFE, because of their chemical inertness and sealing performance. As regulatory pressures mount, companies are now being asked to reconsider these materials and find alternatives that ensure compliance without compromising product integrity. 

Fluoropolymer liners, particularly those using PTFE, have long been the industry standard in diagnostic, chromatography, environmental, and other applications for their unique performance characteristics:

• Chemical Resistance: Inert and stable with a wide range of solvents and reagents.
• Low Extractables: Minimal leaching into sensitive samples.
• Temperature Stability: Reliable performance across a broad temperature range.

Replacing these materials is not a simple task. No single alternative fully replicates the properties of PTFE-based liners. Instead, we focus on application-specific liner solutions that balance chemical compatibility, regulatory compliance, and sustainability.

Building on decades of material science expertise, Saint-Gobain has developed a growing portfolio of PFAS-Free* liner options designed to support diagnostic, laboratory, and medical packaging applications:

1. Polypropylene (PP) and Polyolefin Liners

   These materials offer strong chemical resistance and are inherently free of fluorinated compounds. They are ideal for applications where chemical compatibility and regulatory compliance are critical, particularly in workflows sensitive to PFAS contamination, such as environmental testing.

2. Polyolefin/Silicone Hybrid Liners

   For applications that require resealability and low extractables, we offer hybrid liners featuring polyolefin facings with silicone backing. This combination retains seal integrity and puncture resistance without introducing fluoropolymer materials.

Each of these solutions is carefully engineered to meet the specific demands of laboratory and medical packaging, whether for high-volume production, regulatory compliance, or sustainability objectives.

Saint-Gobain Medical is committed to leading the transition to more sustainable, PFAS-Free* liner solutions. Through continuous innovation and collaboration with our customers, we are developing materials and manufacturing processes that support compliance with emerging global regulations while maintaining the quality and performance expected in critical applications.

Our focus on clean manufacturing, regulatory readiness, and product integrity positions us to help laboratories, diagnostic manufacturers, and pharmaceutical companies meet the increasing demands of a PFAS-conscious market.

We invite you to learn more about our PFAS-Free* specialty liner offerings and how we can support your product development and compliance strategies. Contact us today to discuss sustainable liner solutions tailored to your application needs.