Dräger CEO urges German government to intervene in EU PFAS ban debate

What are PFAS

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, a group of industrially manufactured chemicals that are water-, fat-, and dirt-repellent. More than 10,000 different compounds are known. The substances barely break down in the environment or in the human body, which is why they are also called "eternity chemicals." These so-called eternity chemicals are highly controversial. There are indications that certain PFAS are harmful to health. The industry, however, depends on these substances, raising the question of how a workable solution can be found that addresses both environmental and industrial concerns.

EU restriction process underway

PFAS are already partly regulated at the international, EU, and national levels. Since 2023, a far-reaching restriction process has been underway in the EU, initiated by authorities from five European countries, including Germany. Several variants of the regulation are under discussion. A total ban is now considered likely not implementable. The evaluation process is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Dräger calls on German government to intervene

Stefan Dräger, CEO of Drägerwerk, is waiting for the German federal government to intervene in the debate over the EU-wide PFAS ban. He said the government could still step in and change the proposal.

The federal government could still intervene and say, we have now made a political assessment of the societal impacts as well, and we want to change the proposal.

He is waiting for a government initiative to save the German industrial location. He described the discussed PFAS regulation as existentially threatening, not only for his company but for industry more broadly.

The discussed PFAS regulation is existentially threatening, not only for Dräger.

He advocates that industry should be allowed to continue using particularly useful substances, provided they are non-toxic and not water-soluble. As a prerequisite, production, use, and disposal must be controlled. He acknowledged that PFAS are very persistent and do not belong in the environment, but said not all of them are dangerous.

Terminology and legitimacy concerns

Dräger rejected the term "Ewigkeitschemikalien" (eternity chemicals), saying environmental activists use the formulation to sow discontent. He also criticized that the initiative from Germany is not based on a decision by the Bundestag. It therefore lacks legitimacy, he said. The German push for restrictions, in his view, was launched without parliamentary backing.

Company profile

Dräger, 63, leads in the fifth generation the family company founded in 1889 in Lübeck. The company is listed on the stock exchange. Last year, the group employed more than 16,000 people and generated revenue of approximately 3.5 billion euros. The Dräger family holds the majority of ordinary shares.