Cooling and Heating (F-gases)
Most mobile and stationary cooling and heat pumps still rely on fluorinated gases (F-gases). The story of F-gases is a story of 'regrettable substitution' for a number of reasons. A less known inconvenient fact is that many F-gases break down into very troublesome PFAS - making this industry the No. 1 PFAS polluters.
PFAS Substitutes: Natural refrigerants (hydrocarbons, ammonia, CO2)

Non-stick Cookware
Famously known as Teflon and the likes. Widespread the world over for non-stick surfaces in cookware, heat and oil resistant, ensuring ease of cleaning and cooking.
PFAS Substitutes: Ceramic coatings, silicone coatings

Food Packaging / Paper Products
PFAS are used as grease and moisture barriers in paper products such as fast food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, paper plates and cups, baking papers, pizza boxes, cardboard packaging, and cake and muffin forms.
PFAS Substitutes: Clay-based coatings, starch-based coatings, silicon-based coatings, cellulose-based coatings, biodegradable polymers, plant-based waxes

Textiles, Upholstery, Waterproof Clothing & Gear
Water and stain-resistant treatments for fabrics used in clothing, furniture, carpets, and outdoor gear. From every manufacturing step to the impregnating sealant spray.
PFAS Substitutes: Silicone-based (nano) coatings, wax emulsions, dendrimer technology

Lubricants
Many industrial, automotive, and specialty lubricants contain PFAS. Substituting PFAS in lubricants is feasible in many cases, with numerous alternative formulations and expertise at hand.
PFAS Substitutes: Silicone-based lubricants, non-fluorinated additives

Firefighting Foam
PFAS is used for suppressing flammable liquid fires, particularly at airports, military bases and the like - leaving behind PFAS contaminated sites.
PFAS Substitutes: Fluorine-free foams (F3), synthetic detergents

Electronics
PFAS are prevalent in electronics, used in circuit boards, semiconductors, touchscreens, wire insulation, connectors, cooling fluids, flame retardants, lithium-ion batteries, device coatings, microchip manufacturing, soldering materials, and cleaning agents
PFAS Substitutes: Non-fluorinated polymers, biodegradable polymers

Medical Devices
PFAS are used extensively in medical devices, including low-friction coatings for catheters and guide-wires, and materials for implantable devices. They're also found in surgical meshes, vascular grafts, stent-grafts, tubing, personal protective equipment (PPE), and dental products like floss.
PFAS Substitutes: Silicone, polyurethane, polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), PFAS-free nanocoatings

Pesticides
PFAS compounds are used to enhance the performance of pesticides by improving their spreading, penetration, and adhesion on plants.
PFAS Substitutes: Biodegradable surfactants, siloxane-based surfactants, and natural plant-based oils.

Automotive
PFAS can be found in hoses, seals, O-rings, brake fluid, gaskets, coolants, fabrics, paints, coatings, wire insulations, electronics, connectors, and lubricants. Their widespread use spans mechanical, fluid, electrical, and interior/exterior systems.
PFAS Substitutes: Many, including Silicone-based lubricants, non-fluorinated additives

Cleaning Products
PFAS can be found in various cleaning products, such as carpet and upholstery cleaners, floor polishes, and car wash products, to enhance their water, oil, and stain-repellent properties.
PFAS Substitutes: Bio-based surfactants, hydrocarbon-based surfactants, silicone-based surfactants.

Construction Materials
PFAS can be found in certain construction materials, such as paints, coatings, sealants, and adhesives, which can contribute to environmental contamination during the construction process and throughout the life of the building.
PFAS Substitutes: Silicone-based coatings, Water-based coatings, Bio-based coatings, Mineral-based coatings, Non-PFAS fluoropolymer coatings, PFAS-free insulation materials, PFAS-free roofing materials, PFAS-free carpet and flooring materials, PFAS-free membranes and barriers

Solar Panels
The majority of PFAS in solar panels are found in the outer layer of the back-sheets/back-plates. This trend continues despite cheaper on-par PFAS-free alternatives readily available. The end-of-life impact of around 2 billion square meters of panels currently in operation globally is alarming. Plus: Protective and anti-reflective nano-coatings to improve the efficiency and durability of solar panels often contain PFAS.
PFAS Substitutes: Plenty of novel on-par back-plate substitutes. For coatings: Non-fluorinated alternatives.

Cosmetics
PFAS are used in cosmetics for their ability to provide longer-lasting, waterproof formulations in makeup and skincare products. They enhance the spreadability, texture, and wear resistance of these products.
PFAS Substitutes: Natural oils, waxes, silicone alternatives, mica, rice powder, zinc oxide

Ski Wax
PFAS are used extensively in ski waxes around the world to enhance the glide / reduce friction of skis on snow. Ski wax is a significant PFAS polluter, particularly in regions with extensive winter sports activities.
PFAS Substitutes: Hydrocarbon-based waxes, plant-based waxes, biodegradable waxes

Mining and Oil Industries
PFAS are primarily used in drilling fluids, hydraulic fracturing fluids, and other extraction-related processes to reduce friction, enhance fluid stability, and improve extraction efficiency.
PFAS Substitutes: Bentonite clay, guar gum, xanthan gum, starch-based blends, cellulosic polymers, silicones, biopolymers