Case Study: Trelleborg advances PTFE recycling and prepares for a possible PFAS ban with Force Technology

Trelleborg saves up to 8 kg CO2e per kg of recycled PTFE with Force Technology

Trelleborg, a manufacturer of industrial seals, faced a significant challenge in recycling its PTFE (Teflon) production waste, a substance that is both difficult and expensive to process. To address this sustainability issue and prepare for a potential EU-wide PFAS ban, Trelleborg collaborated with competitors and the vendor, Force Technology, on a knowledge bridge project to explore recycling solutions.

Force Technology facilitated the collaborative project, which focused on evaluating methods like mechanical milling and performing a life cycle analysis. The tangible result was a report quantifying that recycling PTFE could save up to 8 kg of CO2 equivalent per kg of material, providing a significant environmental and financial impact. The project established a foundation for continued collaboration, with the companies meeting quarterly to share progress on sustainability.

Trelleborg