Last updated: August 2026
Beldam Crossley’s position: PFAS regulation is active and evolving across the UK, Europe and the United States. There is currently no blanket ban on fluoropolymers in UK or EU industrial engineering applications. Beldam Crossley responsibly sources compliant engineering materials, monitors regulatory developments and helps customers assess PFAS-free alternatives where they are technically and commercially viable.
Download the Beldam Crossley PFAS Statement (PDF)
PFAS regulation, compliance and material innovation
Supporting customers through change — responsibly, practically and with confidence.
At Beldam Crossley, we recognise that PFAS is one of the most significant regulatory and environmental topics currently affecting advanced manufacturing and engineered polymer applications worldwide. As a long-established UK engineering business supplying precision-machined polymer components into demanding industries, we are committed to acting responsibly, transparently and proactively as legislation continues to evolve across the UK, Europe and the United States.
The current global regulatory position around PFAS remains active and evolving rather than fully defined, particularly for industrial fluoropolymers and high-performance engineering applications.
In the UK, the Government’s recently published PFAS Plan outlines a science-led and proportionate approach focused on reducing environmental and health risks while supporting the transition towards safer alternatives where technically viable. Across Europe, the proposed EU-wide PFAS restriction under REACH legislation continues to progress through scientific and socio-economic review, including ongoing discussions around exemptions and transition periods for critical industrial applications where suitable alternatives are not yet available.
What is the current position on fluoropolymers?
At present, there is no blanket ban on fluoropolymers within UK or EU industrial engineering applications. However, the direction of travel is clear:
- Increased scrutiny of PFAS manufacturing and emissions
- Greater supply-chain transparency and reporting requirements
- Tighter controls around specific PFAS substances already restricted under legislation
- Continued assessment of fluoropolymer use in industrial applications
- Increased focus on alternative materials where suitable replacements exist
Beldam Crossley’s responsibilities
As a manufacturer of engineered polymer components rather than a producer of base chemicals, our responsibility is clear:
- To source materials from reputable and compliant supply partners
- To monitor regulatory developments in every market we serve
- To support customers with accurate technical and material guidance
- To continuously review product suitability and future alternatives
- To minimise waste, maximise service life and promote responsible use of engineering materials
We work closely with our supply chain and note the significant investment being made across the fluoropolymer sector in emissions control, process improvements and compliance systems to meet future environmental standards.
In line with current regulations and proposals, Beldam Crossley can also confirm that referenced material grades supplied into customer applications comply with existing restrictions relating to substances including PFOA, PFOS, PFHxA, PFHxS and C9-C14 PFCAs in accordance with applicable UK and EU regulations.
At the same time, we recognise that some customers may wish to reduce dependency on fluoropolymer-based materials as part of their own environmental, compliance or procurement strategies. Where that is the case, we are ready to support that transition.
Supporting your material transition journey
If you are reviewing existing specifications or exploring PFAS-free alternatives, Beldam Crossley can support you through a practical and low-risk transition process.
Changing a material specification is not as simple as swapping one polymer for another. Performance, compliance, reliability, cost, service life and availability must all be considered carefully. Our role is to help customers make informed engineering decisions based on real application requirements — not simply material trends.
How we support customers
- Review your existing component, drawing or material specification
- Understand the operating environment and performance requirements
- Identify suitable PFAS-free alternatives where viable
- Compare lifecycle performance, machinability and commercial impact
- Produce prototype or trial components for evaluation
- Support testing and validation processes
- Scale into full production supply where appropriate
- Help minimise operational and supply-chain risk throughout transition
Our objective is simple: if a transition is required, it should be measured, evidence-led and commercially practical without compromising component quality, reliability or lifespan.
Engineering materials currently under assessment
Beldam Crossley is actively assessing commercially available PFAS-free engineering materials for use in seals, bearings, bushes, wear pads, valve seats and precision-machined components. Suitability always depends on the application.
| Material | Typical strengths | Typical applications | Relative cost vs PTFE | Market availability | Key considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PTFE / fluoropolymers | Exceptional chemical resistance, very low friction, broad temperature range and non-stick performance | Seals, valve seats, bearings, gaskets, aerospace, chemical processing, marine and food applications | Baseline | Excellent | Regulatory scrutiny is increasing around PFAS-related manufacturing and emissions, but these materials remain critical for many demanding applications |
| PEEK | High strength, temperature and wear resistance | Bearings, seals and aerospace components | Higher | Moderate | Excellent performance but premium cost |
| PPS | Chemical resistance and dimensional stability | Pumps, valves and electrical parts | Similar to higher | Good | More brittle than PEEK |
| POM (Acetal) | Machinability and dimensional accuracy | Bushes, wear pads and rollers | Lower | Excellent | Lower temperature capability |
| UHMWPE | Very low friction and abrasion resistance | Guides, liners and bearings | Lower | Excellent | Lower temperature limit |
| PA (Nylon) | Toughness and load capability | Structural and wear parts | Lower | Excellent | Moisture absorption possible |
| PET / PET-P | Stability and wear resistance | Precision-machined parts | Similar | Good | Moderate thermal performance |
| PEI / PSU / PPSU | Heat and electrical performance | Medical and fluid-handling applications | Higher | Moderate | Application-specific |
| Silicone / EPDM / NBR | Flexible sealing performance | Gaskets and diaphragms | Lower | Excellent | Not suitable for rigid engineering duties |
Our anticipated actions
As regulations continue to develop, Beldam Crossley is proactively preparing its business, supply chain and engineering capabilities to adapt responsibly alongside future legislation and customer requirements.
- Continuing to monitor UK, EU and US regulatory developments closely
- Working with approved suppliers who demonstrate regulatory compliance and environmental responsibility
- Increasing material traceability and technical documentation where required
- Supporting customer material reviews and specification assessments
- Expanding evaluation of commercially viable PFAS-free engineering materials
- Developing application-led transition support for customers considering alternative materials
- Maintaining fluoropolymer solutions responsibly where no technically suitable alternative currently exists
- Continuing investment in engineering, testing and application support to ensure long-term product reliability and lifecycle performance
A balanced engineering approach
For many industrial applications, lifecycle performance matters just as much as material chemistry. A longer-lasting component that reduces maintenance, replacement frequency and downtime can deliver meaningful sustainability benefits in real-world service.
That is why we assess materials not only by composition, but by total engineering performance across the full life of the component.
Where alternative materials can meet or exceed the demands of the application, we will help customers transition with confidence. Where fluoropolymer solutions remain the safest, most reliable or technically appropriate option, we will continue to supply them responsibly, compliantly and with full focus on engineering integrity.
Beldam Crossley remains committed to innovation, regulatory readiness and helping customers navigate change with confidence.
PFAS questions from engineers and procurement teams
Are fluoropolymers currently banned in UK or EU industrial engineering applications?
No blanket ban currently applies to fluoropolymers in UK or EU industrial engineering applications. The regulatory position is evolving, with greater scrutiny, reporting and assessment expected.
Can Beldam Crossley help identify PFAS-free alternatives?
Yes. Beldam Crossley can review the component, drawing, operating environment and performance requirements; identify viable alternatives; compare lifecycle and commercial implications; and support prototypes, testing and production.
Is there one direct replacement for PTFE in every application?
No. Material suitability depends on chemical exposure, temperature, friction, wear, load, compliance requirements, service life, availability and cost. Any transition should be application-led and validated.
Which alternative materials is Beldam Crossley assessing?
Materials under assessment include PEEK, PPS, POM (Acetal), UHMWPE, PA (Nylon), PET/PET-P, PEI, PSU, PPSU, silicone, EPDM and NBR.
How can I request a material review?
Contact our engineering team with your drawing, existing material specification and operating conditions. We will help assess practical, compliant options.