{"id":4150,"date":"2026-01-02T09:47:11","date_gmt":"2026-01-02T08:47:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/rdcenvironment.be\/?p=4150"},"modified":"2026-01-02T09:47:34","modified_gmt":"2026-01-02T08:47:34","slug":"pfas-circular-economy-challenge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rdcenvironment.be\/en\/news\/pfas-circular-economy-challenge\/","title":{"rendered":"PFAS: The Hidden Obstacle to a Truly Circular Economy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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PFAS are here to stay<\/strong><\/h2>\n

PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly known as \u201cforever chemicals,\u201d are a large group of synthetic compounds valued for their water-, grease-, and heat-resistant properties. They are widely used in non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing and food packaging.<\/p>\n

Due to their extremely stable carbon-fluorine bonds, PFAS are highly persistent in the environment and can be found in soil, water, air, wildlife, and even in our EU leaders as presented in this article by the EEB (add link to art). Several PFAS have been linked to health effects such as cancer, liver and kidney damage, and developmental and immune disorders (Euronews<\/a>, 2025). Several PFAS have been linked to health effects such as cancer, liver and kidney damage, and developmental and immune disorders ( EFSA (2020) Risk to human health related to the presence of perfluoroalkyl substances in food<\/a>; ECHA (2023) PFAS restriction proposal<\/a>; Fenton et al (2021) Per\u2010<\/span> and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Toxicity and Human Health<\/a>).<\/p>\n

When PFAS end up in waste streams, typical waste treatment options such as recycling, incineration or landfill will not suffice to break down these molecules. Even a hazardous waste incinerator or cement kiln, where higher temperatures are reached than a typical municipal waste incinerator, will still have to deal with hydrofluoric acid in the flue gases due to destruction of the PFAS.<\/p>\n

As a result, PFAS can be seen as \u2018legacy substances\u2019 and we won\u2019t get rid of them anytime soon. Even if a total ban on PFAS were to be implemented tomorrow, the PFAS already present in products and environment today will still circulate for a very long time.<\/p>\n

Risk for the circular economy<\/strong><\/h2>\n

From a regulatory perspective, the challenge will be to define a balanced framework to regulate the presence of PFAS in waste in a way that ensure protection of human health and the environment while maintaining the ambition in terms of waste recycling and recovery which are crucial to achieve the EU circular economy and climate goals. Some potential risks related to PFAS are:<\/p>\n