New European research project on PFAS alternatives for the pharmaceutical and medical sectors kicks off

“Our work focuses on identifying or developing alternatives to PFAS-containing components in medical devices and products. At laboratory scale, we assess the properties of potential alternatives, applying the Safe and Sustainable by Design principle,” explains project leader Rian Ruhl.

WUR also contributes to the toxicological assessment of the identified alternatives and investigates how wastewater from medical facilities can be effectively treated to remove PFAS.

Together with industrial and academic partners, the researchers carefully assess the advantages and disadvantages of potential PFAS alternatives for specific applications. This includes consideration of the end-of-life phase of the alternatives and their broader impact across different dimensions of sustainability.

Through this ambitious five-year project, the partners aim to contribute to a more sustainable pharmaceutical and medical industry.

Funding acknowledgment: This project is supported by the Innovative Health Initiative Joint Undertaking (IHI JU) under grant agreement No 10125128 1. The JU receives support from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme and COCIR, EFPIA, Europa Bio, MedTech Europe, and Vaccines Europe.

Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union, the private members, and those contributing partners of the IHI JU. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the aforementioned parties. Neither of the aforementioned parties can be held responsible for them.