The European PFAROS initiative, launched on the 29th of September, aims to support the transition towards a PFAS-free pharmaceutical and medical sector. Within the large-scale project consortium of 89 partners, Wageningen University & Research (WUR) brings together expertise in toxicology (Wageningen Food Safety Research), materials development and water treatment (Wageningen Food & Biobased Research).
“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.
More information
Visit the website.