Chemical giant commits to eliminating “forever chemicals” from formulated products while maintaining critical industrial applications
November 27, 2025 — BASF, one of the world’s largest chemical manufacturers, has announced its commitment to phase out chemical products formulated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” while emphasizing the continued necessity of certain PFAS compounds in critical industrial processes.
Key Commitments
The German-based company clarified that it does not synthesize carbon-fluorine bonds in its production processes and is therefore not active in fluorination chemistry. However, BASF acknowledged it currently produces a limited number of products containing PFAS substances to meet market needs and regulatory requirements.
“BASF will phase out chemical products formulated with PFAS,” the company stated, adding that it will use its proprietary TripleS (Sustainable Solution Steering) method to monitor the phase-out process and develop innovative alternatives for customers.
Regulatory Approach
BASF’s position comes amid growing global scrutiny of PFAS, a class of thousands of synthetic chemicals used in various industrial and consumer applications. The company noted there is currently no globally uniform regulatory definition of PFAS.
In the European Union and regions without PFAS-specific regulations, BASF applies the scope projected in the EU PFAS restriction proposal, despite it still being under development. For North American operations, the company follows the US Environmental Protection Agency’s PFAS definition.
Industrial Use Exception
In committing to the phase-out, BASF underscored how some PFAS were still crucial for safe industrial operations. Fluoropolymers and catalysts will remain fundamental in the manufacturing processes to ensure job safety for workers, improve efficiency in production, and reduce emissions, BASF contended.
“Many industrial processes and infrastructure depend on the use of PFAS,” said BASF, calling for balanced regulatory measures that ensure alternatives for critical applications are available before restrictions take effect.
The company specifically advocates for:
- Substitution of PFAS in industrial equipment where feasible and safe
- Ensuring continued use of PFAS in applications lacking suitable alternatives
- Government-to-government cooperation on making the regulatory environment for PFAS in chemical production more transparent
What are PFAS?
PFAS are a family of thousands of chemicals that contain strong carbon-fluorine bonds, which endow them with singular properties that make them strong, durable, and resistant to heat. These substances have been widely used in products ranging from non-stick cookware to firefighting foam.
However, PFAS have drawn increasing concern because of their persistence in the environment and possible health effects. The chemicals do not degrade naturally and may accumulate in human bodies and ecosystems over time.
Industry Impact
BASF said fluoropolymers, a subgroup of PFAS, play an especially crucial role in such applications as semiconductors, electric vehicles, and renewable energy production. Its stance illustrates the tension between environmental concern and the technological needs of modern manufacturing.
Agricultural Solutions products that contain active ingredients will remain subject to regulation under sector-specific legislation, the company added.
BASF further develops analytical methods to effectively detect PFAS compounds, underlining its commitment to transparency and responsible chemical management.
Source: BASF Position on PFAS