Fraunhofer Research Institution for Materials Recycling and Resource Strategies IWKS
Fraunhofer Research Institution for Materials Recycling and Resource Strategies IWKS

PFAROS

Driving Sustainable Innovation to Minimise PFAS in European Healthcare

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals that play a key role in ensuring the quality and safety of a wide range of healthcare products, from pharmaceuticals and medical devices to packaging and cleaning products.

PFAROS aims to accelerate the transition away from PFAS substances in the pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors while safeguarding the quality and safety of the affected products. Addressing this challenge requires collaboration across the entire healthcare ecosystem.

As project coordinator Kevin Van Geem (Ghent University, Laboratory for Chemical Technology) emphasizes:

»No single organisation can tackle the PFAS challenge alone. PFAROS unites expertise from across the healthcare ecosystem to deliver practical, science-based solutions that help reduce PFAS emissions, strengthen sustainability, and secure the long-term resilience of European healthcare.«

Through this unique public-private partnership, PFAROS brings together up to 100 European and international partners from healthcare, industry, academia, regulatory bodies, and civil society.

 

Fraunhofer IWKS is also part of the consortium, contributing its expertise in the fields of circular economy and life cycle assessment. By analyzing relevant material flows and developing optimized end-of-life solutions for PFAS-containing waste streams, the institute creates the foundation for the transition to circular scenarios. This enables sustainable disposal and recycling strategies while maintaining the highest standards of patient safety, product quality, and healthcare performance.

This project is supported by the Innovative Health Initiative Joint Undertaking (IHI JU) under grant agreement No 101251281. 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.

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.