For an industry highly tuned to performance, coating developers have long relied on PFAS-containing additives to shape and improve product formulations. Known for imparting resistant and surface control properties, this class of synthetic chemicals has come under regulatory scrutiny.
What was once a commonly used additive is now prompting a shift in how formulators think about material selection. Brands and formulators alike are reassessing their formulations in light of existing and emerging PFAS regulations to implement viable non-PFAS alternatives—to balance compliance, competitive edge, and consumer expectations.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a broad class of fluorinated molecules known for their extremely low surface energy and high chemical stability.
In coatings systems, PFAS-based fluorosurfactants have historically been used to:
From a formulation standpoint, their functionality is tied to their ability to migrate rapidly to the air–coating or substrate–coating interface, where they create a low-energy barrier. This is what enables exceptional wetting—even on challenging, low-energy substrates.
Because of certain characteristics, PFAS use has drawn heightened attention over the last few decades, leading to regional restrictions and mandates. In Europe, a REACH restriction on a number of PFAS chemistries have been in force since February 2023, PFHxA restriction started to take effect in April 2026, and a broad PFAS restriction proposal is under evaluation, potentially impacting many industrial uses. In the U.S., national reporting requirements continue to evolve as well, expanding their scope.
Across the regions, the regulatory direction is aligned: PFAS regulations are subjecting more substance categories and applications to more scrutiny.
As regulatory and market pressures increase, formulators are re-evaluating the necessity of PFAS in their systems. But replacing PFAS-containing additives is not a one-to-one swap.
PFAS additives deliver a unique combination of surface tension reduction and interfacial activity, which has driven their use as flow, leveling, and defoaming additives. Non‑PFAS technologies achieve similar outcomes using different mechanisms, often involving:
When leveraging non-PFAS additives for substrate wetting and defect control, it’s important to consider other coating factors, such as the resin system, application method, film thickness, and substrate surface energy.
Today’s non‑PFAS additive technologies are designed to support critical coating properties without intentionally added fluorinated chemistry. Within the Borchers portfolio, our non‑PFAS solutions can contribute to:
These functions are available across both waterborne and solvent-borne systems, allowing flexibility in formulation design.
Considering non-PFAS solutions can help you achieve regulatory compliance now and in the future—leading to a potential competitive edge with a future-oriented product. Non‑PFAS additives, including Borchi® Gol and Borchers® AF technologies, demonstrate that formulators have viable pathways to achieve wetting, leveling, and defoaming performance without relying on intentionally added PFAS.
The below guide breaks down the performance benefits of each of our non-PFAS additives:
While implementation requires thoughtful formulation work, formulators can gain greater regulatory alignment, improved market access, and a more consumer-oriented path forward.
Connect with a Borchers expert today to discuss your options.
See you soon in Mexico City! Meet with our additive experts July 21-23 in Booth 23, Hall 3 at the 2026 Latin American Coatings Show, where we’ll be featuring several NEW additives, including: You can also learn more about our
For an industry highly tuned to performance, coating developers have long relied on PFAS-containing additives to shape and improve product formulations. Known for imparting resistant and surface control properties, this class of synthetic chemicals has come under regulatory scrutiny. What
Adhesive and sealant formulations must meet a wide range of performance requirements. These materials must apply smoothly, remain stable during storage, and cure reliably once applied. At the same time, formulators must balance factors such as viscosity control, filler dispersion,
