56 2024 Sustainability Report In 2024 as well, the responsible management of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) remains a priority for Guardini, as part of our commitment to product safety and environmental sustainability. PFAS represent a broad class of chemical compounds widely used across several industries for their excellent heat, water, and grease resistance. In manufacturing, they are also applied in non-stick coatings for bakeware. However, growing concern over their potential impact on human health and the environment - particularly due to their high persistence and bioaccumulative nature - has led European institutions to initiate a regulatory review process aimed at restricting their use. Certain PFAS substances, already identified as particularly hazardous, have been subject to restrictions or bans at the EU level. A regulatory proposal is currently under evaluation that would extend such restrictions to a broader range of applications and compounds. In this context, Guardini closely monitors the evolution of European regulations, including those related to the FCM Regulation (Food Contact Materials). At the institutional level, we are actively working to promote a science-based approach, encouraging assessments focused on the actual hazard of individual substances rather than on generalized classifications. To this end, we contribute to international dialogue by sharing regulatory experience developed in the United States, with the aim of avoiding an indiscriminate ban on the entire PFAS class. At the same time, we are closely monitoring regulatory developments related to Bisphenol A (BPA) and its derivatives, such as Bisphenol S (BPS), currently used in polyethersulfone-based coatings. A potential classification of BPS among restricted substances would require a complete redesign of the formulations currently in use. Although PFAS-free and PES-free technologies are available on the market, it has not yet been possible to integrate both solutions into a single formulation that fully meets our quality and performance standards. Nevertheless, research into alternative materials has been ongoing for some time, including collaborations with international technology partners.
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