John runs an old-fashioned sweets company that he started in 2018. Currently, there are three locations across the UK but John’s is hoping to expand the business internationally.
For a while now, John’s heard talk of PFAS and the dangers they may cause. He read an article recently that PFAS can build up in the body and lead to health issues including cancer, infertility, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. They can also be catastrophic for the environment.
The problem is, his famous boiled sweets rely on non-stick packaging that contain PFAS. He’s sure there are other products in his factory that also contain PFAS, although he’s not entirely sure the extent. John knows that businesses today have a responsibility to their employees, to the environment, and to the greater community to take PFAS mitigation seriously. If businesses don’t learn how to avoid PFAS, they could run into costly issues that jeopardise their very survival.
There’s a big meeting with the investors coming up next week and John’s nervous. They’ve asked John to address how he’lll be handling PFAS going forward, and he fears that one wrong answer may compromise his credibility.
In the following post, we’ll explore how John, and others like him, can reduce PFAS exposure and protect their employees from PFAS without taking a financial hit.
What are some of the financial risks of PFAS for businesses?
If you produce PFAS products, rely on PFAS products, or have workplaces where PFAS are prevalent, the time for change has come. There are significant costs that may arise, both in and out of the workplace, for companies surrounding PFAS.
Some of these include:
- Damage to reputation or brand: Today’s consumers are becoming more aware of the dangers PFAS pose. Products that contain PFAS are therefore often avoided. According to Toxic-Free Future, some of the biggest companies in the world are removing PFAS products from their shelves. To remain competitive and appeal to informed consumers, businesses need to start eliminating PFAS from their offerings. By prioritising safer, PFAS-free alternatives, businesses can enhance their reputation while meeting the demands of a market that values health and sustainability.
- Investor scrutiny: Investors need to feel assured that your business is solid at every level. You’ll be expected to stay on top of your PFAS responsibilities. If your company starts looking like a liability, investors may get nervous. They may take their money elsewhere. You don’t want to be in a position of vulnerability, where you’re stuck scrambling for other options.
- Operational and supply chain issues: The presence of PFAS within the supply chain is problematic. It may cause delays, product recalls, and other supplier challenges. There is an increasing number of regulations being placed on PFAS around the world, so products with PFAS may be banned or restricted based on location. If you’re producing products containing PFAS, you run the risk of losing access to different markets. This can have a devastating impact on your revenue. Just how much of your earnings are you willing to risk?
- Environmental cleanup costs: When PFAS get into the soil or water, they spread widely and rapidly. There are strict environmental standards put in place around PFAS that businesses must adhere to. If your organisation is responsible for a contamination, whether big or small, you can expect a very hefty bill (not to mention a judgement in the court of public opinion!).
- Compliance risks: The ever-evolving landscape of PFAS regulations can lead to significant compliance expenses. This doesn’t even include the financial burden that any lawsuits and settlements bring. Last year, US chemical firms Dupont, Chemours and Corteva paid 1.2 billion dollars in a water contamination lawsuit around PFAS.
How EcoOnline’s software can help manage PFAS risks (and costs)
Navigating the risks associated with PFAS may seem complex – but it doesn’t have to be. EcoOnline makes it simple.
Here are just some of the ways that our Chemical Management software can help.
- Find all your chemical data in one place: Gone are the days of juggling multiple spreadsheets. And you can say goodbye to clumsy paperwork! Our software keeps all your Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) in one easy-to-access online inventory. Plus, we automatically update them with the latest versions so you’re always working with current information. Spotting PFAS-containing products has never been easier!
- Safer alternatives made simple: Need to swap out PFAS or other risky chemicals? No problem. Our Chemical Substitution software lets you quickly compare products and find safer alternatives. That way, you can reduce exposure without sacrificing performance.
- Know what you have and what to do about it: With EcoOnline, you get a clear view of your chemical inventory and the risks tied to it. Our Safety Protection Sheets offer a simple summary of each chemical. These are easily accessible and include a convenient QR code to scan for access to the full SDS. This useful feature makes it easy to understand potential risks and decide how to handle them safely.
- Stay ahead of regulations and maintain compliance: Regulations around PFAS are constantly evolving. Our software keeps you covered so you can focus on other things. Generate custom reports, track compliance, and prioritise actions based on the latest data. You’ll never get caught off guard by new regulations.
- Collaborate with ease: Need input from different teams? Looking for feedback on substituting PFAS? Our processes are built with the whole team in mind, helping you make smarter product decisions together. Employees can access everything they need, on any device, at any time. No more chasing down paperwork or waiting for answers when it comes to hazardous substances!
EcoOnline helps you cut through the noise surrounding PFAS management. Our range of tools make safety, compliance, and chemical decisions simple. It’s everything you need to reduce risks, protect your people, and stay ahead of the game – without wasting time or resources.