BASF Joins Global Shift Away from PFAS, but Says Fluoropolymers Still Critical

BASF is not a PFAS manufacturer, but its recent announcement to “phase out chemical products formulated with PFAS” is still a notable development for the chemical industry. In its November 2025 statement, BASF confirmed that only a limited number of its products will be affected and that the company is actively developing non-PFAS alternatives where possible.

Importantly, BASF also emphasised the critical role of fluoropolymers, a specific subgroup of PFAS in many industrial applications. While the company acknowledges that viable and safe alternatives may exist for some uses, it also recognises that fluoropolymers remain essential in areas where no suitable substitutes are currently available. In these cases, BASF highlights the need for fluoropolymers to remain accessible, within a well-managed product life cycle.

Although BASF’s decision to phase out PFAS-containing formulations is not as far-reaching as 3M’s complete exit from PFAS manufacturing by the end of 2025, it nonetheless reflects a broader trend. The industry is clearly moving away from PFAS chemistries wherever feasible, while acknowledging that certain PFAS remain irreplaceable for now, due to their unique performance characteristics.

To learn more about the implications of PFAS obsolescence, or anything relating to PFAS regulations, get in contact and speak directly with our PFAS Regulatory Consultant, Dr Martyn Shenton.

Martyn will also be speaking at the European PFAS & Emerging Contaminants Summit 2026 (March 2026, Slough, UK).