PTFE has long been unfairly grouped into the broader PFAS controversy. Here’s the truth:
- PTFE is not a PFAS compound in the way regulators define harmful chemicals. It is a fully polymerised, stable solid.
- PTFE seals do not leach or degrade into the environment.
- PTFE is chemically inert, insoluble, and does not bioaccumulate.
- Removal of PFAS polymerisation aids in virgin PTFE to ensure compliance to current EU regulation. No PFAS substances are intentionally added during polymerisation or in any step in the production. Regulations details can be provided.
However, concern arises from residual surfactants used in PTFE production. In response, the industry has taken robust steps:
- Shifting to short-chain PFAS with lower environmental impact.
- Adopting closed-loop systems that prevent release into air or water.
- Using advanced filtration to capture waste before discharge.
The result? Modern PTFE seal production, including Beldam Crossley’s Crossflon® range, is safer, cleaner, and increasingly circular.
Are PTFE Seals Sustainable? Exploring the Benefits and Environmental Impact of PTFE
In the world of industrial sealing, PTFE seals are considered the gold standard. Known for their unmatched resistance, to chemicals, and excellent low friction properties and therefore wear characteristic, PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) enables performance in environments where other materials fail. However, as industries push for sustainability, questions arise around the environmental impact of PTFE and the surfactants historically used in its production.
This blog unpacks the realities: how PTFE seals are made, the role of PFAS, and why PTFE is not just safe when applied responsibly—but often essential to critical operations across pharmaceuticals, energy, food processing, and more. For engineers and specifiers, understanding the full picture ensures informed, future-proof material choices.
What Makes a PTFE Seal So Unique?
A PTFE seal offers a combination of properties few materials can rival:
- Chemical Resistance – PTFE remains inert in the presence of corrosive substances.
- Thermal Stability – Performs in high- and low-temperature extremes.
- Low Friction Coefficient – Ideal for energy-efficient systems.
- Non-stick Surface – Prevents product buildup and contamination.
- Long Service Life – Reduces maintenance cycles and landfill waste.
No other seal material delivers this level of performance across so many applications. For example, in borax glass production—a highly alkaline environment—equipment must be coated in PTFE to avoid corrosion. In such cases, a PTFE seal is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.
Beldam Crossley’s Crossflon® PTFE sealing solutions take this performance even further. Manufactured in the UK to exacting standards, the Crossflon® range includes chemically inert, wear-resistant, and application-specific compounds tailored for the harshest environments. Whether handling food-grade processes or flammable chemical storage, Crossflon® seals consistently outperform industry alternatives.
How Are PTFE Seals Made?
The production of PTFE begins with the synthesis of Tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) gas from raw materials like fluorspar, sulfuric acid, water, and chloroform. This gas is then polymerized into PTFE using a suspension process, forming a stable, high-purity fluoropolymer suitable for precision machined seals and gaskets.
To manage the polymerization, surfactants are used—some of which were historically classified as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These helped stabilise the emulsion process and control the structure of the PTFE polymer.
Why PTFE Seals Are a Sustainable Choice
1. Longer Lifespan = Less Waste
A PTFE seal can last up to 10 times longer than rubber or elastomer alternatives. This durability reduces replacement frequency, shipping, and disposal—all factors that significantly lower environmental impact.
2. Better Energy Efficiency
Because of their low friction coefficient, PTFE seals help mechanical systems run more smoothly, with less energy loss and reduced wear on components.
3. Leak Prevention and Safety
In industries dealing with aggressive chemicals, a failed seal can lead to spills, downtime, or even safety hazards. The chemical inertness of PTFE ensures a leak-free seal even in the harshest conditions.
Beldam Crossley’s Crossflon® sealing materials are custom-engineered to deliver leak-proof performance even in environments subject to extreme pressure, vibration, and corrosive media.
4. Recyclability
PTFE isn’t single-use. Waste PTFE can be ground and reused in non-critical components or blended into new materials. This creates a circular economy opportunity within high-spec sealing.
Where Are PTFE Seals Used?
A PTFE seal is a critical component in industries where failure is not an option:
- Pharmaceutical and medical: PTFE meets FDA and WRAS requirements and is biologically safe.
- Food and beverage: Prevents contamination, resists fats and oils, and handles CIP cleaning.
- Chemical processing: Survives acids, bases, and solvents without degrading.
- Subsea and aerospace: Retains shape and performance under pressure and temperature swings.
- Hydrogen, battery, and renewable tech: Essential for creating sealed systems without chemical reactions.
Beldam Crossley’s Crossflon® 1801, for example, is specially formulated to be anti-static and ATEX-compliant—making it the ideal PTFE seal material for flammable fuels and volatile chemical containment.
Is PTFE Environmentally Responsible?
Yes—when viewed over its entire lifecycle, PTFE seals are a highly sustainable choice. While production once relied on controversial surfactants, that story is changing rapidly. PTFE itself is:
- Chemically stable and inert
- Non-toxic in use
- Extremely long-lasting
- Increasingly recyclable
Just as importantly, PTFE seals prevent greater harm by maintaining containment, reducing emissions, and improving equipment reliability. They reduce the need for energy-intensive replacements, conserve materials, and support a more circular economy.
Conclusion: PTFE Seals Are Built for the Future
For businesses striving to meet environmental goals without compromising performance, PTFE seals offer a powerful solution. They combine durability, safety, and versatility with increasingly responsible manufacturing.
Beldam Crossley’s Crossflon® range stands at the forefront of this evolution—providing engineered PTFE sealing materials that meet the highest demands in chemical resistance, compliance, and mechanical integrity. Backed by over 149 years of British engineering, the Crossflon® family is the industry benchmark for PTFE sealing solutions.
Whether you’re operating in aerospace, pharmaceuticals, marine, or renewable energy, choosing a PTFE seal from Beldam Crossley means investing in reliability, sustainability, and engineering excellence.
