Products

🌍 PFAS regulations: stay ahead with Teamcenter

By Shailesh Ranade

πŸ›‘οΈ Stay compliant and proactive in managing forever chemicals

New regulations and restrictions are being announced by various authorities to limit the use of Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in products.

The state of Maine will require manufacturers to report PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, in products beginning Jan 1, 2025. The state of Minnesota is also working on a similar regulation.

The European Union has also proposed PFAS restrictions.

These regulations are part of a broader effort to reduce the environmental and health impacts of these persistent chemicals.

How to keep up with new PFAS regulations and be proactive in monitoring these forever chemicals in the products you are developing?

🏭 Tackling regulatory compliance with Teamcenter

Keeping up with regulatory compliance and product safety can be challenging for complex product manufacturers. The evolving landscape of regulations means businesses must stay informed and adapt quickly.

With Teamcenter software’s solution for Substance Compliance your business can take a proactive approach by tracking and managing the material makeup of your products and limiting the use of harmful substances such as PFAS. With it your team along with external suppliers can work in synchronicity to identify and avoid these toxic substances for a more environmentally safe and compliant product.

PFAS

πŸ”¬ Understanding PFAS and their impact

PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals used in various industrial applications and consumer products, including non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, and firefighting foams. Due to their strong chemical bonds, PFAS are highly persistent in the environment and in human bodies, leading to the nickname “forever chemicals.” They have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, liver damage, and immune system effects. This makes their regulation critical for public health and environmental protection.

πŸ“Š Know what’s in your product

Committing to product safety and regulations is essential, but product data knowledge is crucial for taking a proactive approach! Teamcenter’s Substance Compliance Solution enables supply chain transparency, allowing users to request and store material and substance declarations from suppliers. This transparency is vital for ensuring that every component of your product meets regulatory standards.

🀝 Enhancing collaboration with suppliers

In-house designers can use Teamcenter material managementΒ to assign the correct materials and substances needed to create parts for more sustainable, eco-compliant products. This collaborative approach ensures that all parties involved in the supply chain are aware of the regulatory requirements and are working towards the same goal of producing safe and compliant products.

🧾 Detailed tracking and management

Teamcenter’s solution provides detailed tracking and management capabilities, ensuring that all materials and substances used in your products are accounted for. This level of detail helps in identifying potential compliance issues early in the design and production process, allowing for timely adjustments and corrections.

πŸš€ Proactive compliance with Teamcenter

With the data collected, compliance officers can quickly search for parts and products containing Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) and take appropriate action. This proactive approach is essential for mitigating risks associated with non-compliance and for protecting your brand’s reputation.

πŸ“ˆ Custom reports and dashboards

This information, built into the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system, allows users to run relevant reports and build custom dashboards to highlight products using these harmful forever chemicals. These tools provide a comprehensive overview of your product portfolio, making it easier to identify areas of concern and take corrective actions.

πŸ› οΈ Leveraging the Rules Editor

Additionally, users can leverage the Rules Editor to create rules that check against any substances your business deems necessary to regulate. These rules ensure compliance by evaluating your products against them. This automated checking process not only saves time but also reduces the risk of human error in compliance assessments.

🌱 Commitment to sustainability

Beyond compliance, embracing sustainable practices is becoming increasingly important for businesses worldwide. Consumers and stakeholders are more informed and concerned about the environmental impact of the products they use and support. By proactively managing the use of PFAS and other harmful substances, your business can demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility.

🌟 Building a sustainable future with Teamcenter

Teamcenter supports your sustainability goals by providing the tools and insights needed to make informed decisions about materials and substances. This helps in developing products that are not only compliant but also environmentally friendly. Sustainable product development is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s a business imperative that can drive innovation and growth.

πŸ“š Learn more

Interested in learning more about how to achieve sustainable product development? Discover how our solutions can streamline compliance processes, enhance collaboration, and support your sustainability initiatives.


No matter how you choose to deploy Teamcenter,
you get the same proven solutions designed to help you innovate faster.



References

PFAS in Products, Maine Department of Environmental Protection

PFAS in products | Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (state.mn.us)

All news – ECHA (europa.eu)


 [VD((SSIIG1]Do we need to include a link to Integrated Material Management?

 [RI2]I added a “Learn more” link below. would that work?

 [VM3]I think it may be a good idea to link in the document wherever we have an opportunity to share additional resources. What do you think about this link? https://webinars.sw.siemens.com/en-US/teamcenter-integrated-material-management

This article first appeared on the Siemens Digital Industries Software blog at https://blogs.sw.siemens.com/teamcenter/pfas-regulations-teamcenter/