Key facts
- Campaigners warn of a "tidal wave" of Pfas production to meet AI industry demand.
- A survey of 10 major Pfas manufacturers found most plan to increase production.
- Pfas are used in semiconductor manufacturing and next-generation data center cooling.
- Daikin, Arkema, and Chemours are among companies expanding Pfas production for AI-related needs.
- Critics say Chemours downplays the toxicity and climate impact of Pfas.
- Archroma is switching to Pfas-free alternatives, and BASF plans to exit Pfas production by 2028.
Campaigners have warned that a significant increase in the production of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (Pfas), often called 'forever chemicals', is being driven by demand from the artificial intelligence industry. A survey conducted by the Swedish chemicals watchdog ChemSec found that nearly all of the 10 largest Pfas manufacturers have plans to expand their production capacity.
These companies are framing their investments around the AI revolution, citing the crucial role Pfas play in semiconductor manufacturing and in advanced data center cooling systems. For instance, Japan-headquartered Daikin is launching a 'datacentre hub' to meet demand, while French multinational Arkema is expanding its refrigerant offering with a new production unit in Kentucky. US producer Chemours is also increasing capacity for 'advanced datacenters and AI hardware', promoting its liquid cooling solutions.
However, critics argue that companies like Chemours downplay the toxicity and climate impact of Pfas. The chemicals, known for their extreme resistance to heat, water, and corrosion due to strong carbon-fluorine bonds, are virtually indestructible in the environment. This persistence leads to their accumulation in air, water, soil, and the food chain, raising concerns about human and planetary health. Scientists have warned that Pfas accumulation has already breached a planetary boundary, with research linking them to various health issues including cancer and liver disease.
Despite these concerns, the demand for Pfas is growing, with producers also citing their use in coatings and binders for lithium-ion batteries as a parallel growth area. Gujarat Fluorochemicals' chief executive, Bir Kapoor, identified batteries alongside data centers, semiconductors, and green hydrogen as 'sunrise sectors' with tremendous growth opportunities.
The survey identified only a few exceptions to the production expansion trend. Swiss company Archroma is actively marketing Pfas-free alternatives, and German giant BASF has committed to exiting Pfas production by 2028. ChemSec has encouraged CEOs of European Pfas companies to test their own blood for Pfas levels, highlighting that over 99% of people worldwide have detectable levels of these toxins.