Vermont Fluoropolymer Survey

Vermont manufacturers who produce products and components that incorporate fluoropolymers are strongly encouraged to complete the brief, confidential survey on this page to receive important updates and alerts regarding state legislation and regulations that could impact the ability to use these important materials.

The Importance

Fluoropolymers (such as PTFE, FEP, PFA, PVDF, ETFE, and ECTFE) are critical materials used in a wide range of applications.  Commonly, they are used as specific components, coatings, liners, seals, membranes, insulation, or structural parts because of their chemical resistance, heat resistance, low friction, and electrical properties.  See the table below for more examples.

The Threat

However, the risk to Vermont manufacturers stems from the fact that the state’s regulations include fluoropolymers under the broad definition of prohibited PFAS chemicals.  This is despite the fact that fluoropolymers do not have the health and environmental concerns that are associated with other PFAS that have gained public and regulatory attention in recent years.

As Vermont considers expanding the list of specific products or consumer and eventually industrial products broadly under PFAS bans, many Vermont manufacturers could face product and component bans where alternatives to fluoropolymers are not reasonably or affordably available, if at all.

What to Do

Several states have taken steps or are considering steps to exempt fluoropolymers in whole or part from PFAS restrictions.  AIV is working to promote such reforms in Vermont this coming legislative session to help avoid unintended or unreasonable consequences for manufacturers. 

By completing this survey, you can help make sure that you get timely and informative updates and alerts related to this issue and related efforts.  You can also learn more about different options you can consider for engaging and assisting on this matter.

Thank you for considering completing this survey, and if you have any questions or would like to discuss this matter further, please don’t hesitate to reach out through the survey or by contacting us at info@aivt.org.

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