PFAS in the Supply Chain: How to Screen Risk and Engage Suppliers Before Regulations Hit

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are quickly moving to the top of global regulatory agendas. Once prized for their durability and water, grease, and heat-resistant properties, these “forever chemicals” are now recognized as a serious health and environmental risk.

For companies with complex supply chains, this creates significant uncertainty. PFAS are widespread across industries and products, and in many cases, companies are unaware they’re present at all. Acting early to conduct PFAS risk screening can reduce liability, strengthen supplier relationships, and lower the cost of compliance when new rules come into force.

Although federal action in the U.S. has seen delays, global momentum against PFAS continues to grow. The time to prepare is now.

Listen to our podcast episode on Rethinking EHS, The Global PFAS Challenge.

Why PFAS in the Supply Chain Is a Business Risk

The business risk of PFAS stems from three interrelated challenges: tightening regulation, hidden use, and the consequences of being caught unprepared.

Across the globe, governments are moving forward with new restrictions. The EU’s REACH program is considering far-reaching limits on PFAS. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and several states are rolling out their own standards. Countries in Asia-Pacific are also following suit. These measures vary in scope, but the direction of travel is clear: PFAS will soon be heavily restricted or banned in many markets.

Compounding the problem is how widespread PFAS use has become. These substances are found in everything from resins and paints to textiles and food packaging, often without manufacturers realizing it. Even water supplies used in production can be a source of contamination. Companies that assume they’re PFAS-free may be held liable for products containing impurities that they didn’t know were there.

The cost of inaction is high. Regulatory non-compliance can lead to fines, forced recalls, or litigation. Brand reputation is also at stake: customers and clients are increasingly asking tough questions about PFAS. Companies that cannot answer clearly risk losing trust and market share. Advertising for products “without PFAS” is more and more applied and demanded by customers. 

How to Assess PFAS Risk Across Your Supply Chain

The first step in managing PFAS is gaining visibility. Map your supply chain to identify where the risks are most concentrated. This could be in high-risk industries like textiles and packaging, or in geographies where chemical disclosure is less reliable.

Next, conduct a thorough inventory of your products and materials. Review Safety Data Sheets (SDS), product specifications, and supplier documentation. Incomplete information should trigger further investigation, ranging from asking for additional details to commissioning independent testing. Realization of independent HHRA (Human Health Risk Assessment becomes a commercial driver for product quality.

Once you’ve gathered the data, prioritize your suppliers. Not every partner poses the same level of risk. Focus first on suppliers tied to sensitive materials, operating in high-risk regions, or unable to provide adequate documentation. A structured risk matrix can help you decide where to start and ensure resources are directed where they will have the greatest impact.

Engaging Suppliers: The Right Questions to Ask

Engaging your suppliers early is essential. Start by asking direct, practical questions:

• Are PFAS intentionally added in your products or processes?
• Could PFAS be unintentionally getting into your product processes through handling, packaging, or legacy practices?
• Can you provide full material disclosures or certificates of compliance?
• Do you have substitution plans for PFAS-containing materials?
• How are you tracking evolving PFAS regulations in your region?
• Did you analyze PFAS contents before and after Top Assay ?
• Did you realize independent Human Health Risk Assessments (HHRA) ?

Many suppliers may initially respond that they don’t know, or that they’ve never tested their products for PFAS. That’s precisely why early engagement matters; it gives you time to build capacity, encourage testing, and collaborate on solutions before regulation deadlines force rushed results.

The Payoff of Early Action

Companies that get ahead of PFAS avoid the costly, chaotic scramble that comes with last-minute regulation. You also strengthen relationships with suppliers, who appreciate transparency and a collaborative approach.

Early action also provides a competitive edge. Clients and consumers are already asking about PFAS, and companies that can respond with confidence will stand out. Tackling PFAS supply chain risk today reduces long-term costs, minimizes exposure, and positions your organization as a leader in sustainability and responsibility.

Check out PFAS mitigation strategies in this article. 

Positioning Your Business for What’s Next

Waiting for regulations to land means fewer options, higher costs, and tighter timelines. By contrast, a proactive PFAS risk screening and supplier engagement strategy sets you up for success by reducing risk, building resilience, and meeting the expectations of both regulators and customers.

At Inogen Alliance, we help organizations around the world assess PFAS risks across complex supply chains, engage suppliers effectively, and prepare for the regulations of tomorrow. Contact Inogen Alliance today to begin building your PFAS strategy.

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