NIA PFAS Polycarbonates with Flame Retardancy for Consumer Electronics

Preparing for What’s Next: Tackling PFAS Challenges with Sustainable Material Innovation

Flame retardants are critical for consumer electronics applications. PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), valued for their exceptional stability, have been widely used as flame-retardant additives in polycarbonate and its blends. However, as eco-conscious demand grows and proposed global restrictions—such as the EU’s plan to limit PFAS—gain momentum, safety compliance standards in consumer electronics are being redefined.

Phasing out PFAS is a complex, long-term journey, driven by the intricacy of the manufacturing supply chain and the broad range of industries that rely on PFAS. Reaching this goal will require close collaboration across the entire value chain.

As an upstream materials supplier, we proactively monitor regulatory developments and leverage deep industry expertise to deliver high-performance NIA (Not Intentionally Added) PFAS  solutions, enabling the transition toward a more sustainable future for consumer electronics.

Diverse NIA PFAS Polycarbonate Portfolio Drives Safer, Sustainable Electronics

Due to its unique properties and wide range of applications, substituting PFAS presents significant challenges in the entire manufacturing process. We’re actively tackling this issue by delivering alternatives that help minimize supply chain restructuring costs. Backed by 70 years of polycarbonate expertise, we have developed new Makrolon® and Bayblend® flame-retardant grades manufactured without intentionally added PFAS, aligning with the EU’s proposed PFAS restrictions and the latest EPEAT guidelines aimed at reducing hazardous chemicals.

Today, we offer over 20 NIA PFAS solutions with UL 94 V-0 flame retardancy, including transparent, glass fiber-reinforced, and mineral-filled grades. These materials deliver excellent performance comparable to traditional PFAS-based options, while offering enhanced safety and meeting rigorous industry standards. In addition, our portfolio includes low carbon footprint solutions to support the industry’s transition toward greater circularity. Our solutions enable exceptional thin-wall flame resistance down to low thicknesses and deliver robust mechanical strength to endure drops and impacts. They offer a broad temperature resistance range, with Vicat softening temperature can reach up to 140°C. High flowability and low warpage allow for refined, seamless designs across diverse applications.

To further support circularity, select grades contain over 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, delivering high-quality comparable to virgin grades, while reducing resource consumption. Our NIA-PFAS portfolio also includes grades made from bio-circular attributed feedstock, offering a significant reduction in carbon footprint.

Shaping Next-Gen Electronics with Proven NIA-PFAS Innovation

Our NIA-PFAS solutions have been validated in consumer electronics such as laptops and IoT devices.

In these validated applications, our solutions not only align with the EU’s proposed PFAS restrictions but also deliver excellent flame retardancy while maintaining strong mechanical performance. 

Our glass fiber-reinforced Makrolon® achieves UL 94 V-0 rating at 1.0 mm and offers improved surface quality compared to standard GF-reinforced grades. The solution also offers low-carbon version containing over 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content to help brands achieve circularity goals.

With a broad product portfolio and deep innovation experience, we aim to accelerate a smooth transition across multiple application scenarios, helping partners meet evolving compliance requirements without compromising product performance and quality.