Regulatory Compliance > Working together to meet PFAS regulations
Working together to meet PFAS regulations
Teijin Aramid supports the transition toward PFAS-free alternatives in line with emerging European legislation. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of more than a thousand synthetic chemicals known for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. While these properties are useful in many industrial and consumer applications, PFAS substances are highly persistent and raise concerns for both environmental and human health.
At Teijin Aramid, PFAS are present in two areas: in a limited number of specific products and in selected equipment used within our production facilities. In products, PFAS may be used in applications such as coatings for ballistic vests. In production equipment, certain PFAS, such as fluoropolymers, are used for their chemical resistance and reliability under extreme conditions. This includes critical parts like sealing rings that must function safely when exposed to acids or solvents.
In 2023, we conducted an inventory of PFAS usage across all production sites and products. This forms the foundation for our phase-out plan and ensures that we are prepared to comply with the future ban. According to current European Union timelines, new PFAS may be restricted from 2027 and fully banned by 2039, depending on application. However, a clear path to safe substitution, particularly in production processes, will require industry-wide cooperation.
Where viable alternatives exist, we are taking steps to substitute PFAS. In some cases, this process is already underway. For example, an approval process is ongoing for PFAS-free coating options in select product lines. Where alternatives are not yet available, we continue to monitor developments and plan for compliant transitions as soon as safe, high-quality replacements are proven.
Reducing PFAS use is a shared challenge. We are actively engaged in sector-wide initiatives, including questionnaires and technical studies coordinated by CEFIC, the European Chemical Industry Council. These efforts aim to accelerate the development of viable alternatives without compromising safety, quality, or operational reliability.
Regulatory Compliance > Energy Efficiency Directive (EED)
Energy Efficiency Directive (EED)
We completed our second EED audit and submitted the results for the 2025–2028 cycle to the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) in December 2024.
The EED audit provides a detailed overview of energy flows across buildings, installations, industrial processes, and business transport. It also identifies potential areas for improvement and estimates their expected impact.
Under the European Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), large enterprises are required to conduct energy efficiency audits every four years. These audits aim to increase awareness of energy consumption and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
The audit covered six Teijin locations in the Netherlands. While each location is audited individually, many of our production sites operate as interconnected steps in a broader chain. The report outlines cost-effective energy-saving opportunities across our production sites in Delfzijl, Emmen, and Arnhem, and our Research and Innovation Center (RIC) and headquarters and office of Teijin Holdings Europe in Arnhem.
To reduce our footprint, we’ve purchased Guarantees of Origin from wind and solar sources to match the total electricity consumption of our production sites. In 2024, 23% of our heat consumption came from renewable sources. We continue to prioritize increasing this share.
