Daikin’s Approach to PFAS

Updated: August 26, 2024

Daikin invests heavily in the research and development of PFAS to ensure that the unique properties of fluorinated materials can be safely utilized across a wide range of industries, including health, safety, comfort, security, and environmental conservation. We develop products that comply with regulatory requirements in each country.

As part of our commitment to environmentally conscious and sustainable production activities, Daikin recognizes the importance of continuous improvement in all manufacturing processes and we are dedicated to pursuing the development and practical application of innovative technologies to ensure the safe manufacture and use of PFAS products.

Daikin's Policy for PFAS

Fluoro materials, including those considered PFAS, are used in essential societal applications such as semiconductors, automobiles, telecommunications, medicine and medical devices, energy, and air conditioning/heatpumps/refrigeration. They contribute to a variety of advanced industries and play an important role in promoting global sustainability solutions such as carbon neutrality and Green Transformation (GX). Daikin will continue to comply with regulations and supply those materials that have met rigorous scientific evaluation in meeting the essential needs of society.

We strive to minimize the environmental and social impact of our products throughout their lifecycle by engaging in sustainable production practices. As a responsible manufacturer, we are committed to contributing to social advancement.

Cooperation with Government

The PFAS manufactured by Daikin or used in its manufacture of products have been approved by regulatory authorities such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) , the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), and Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI).
Daikin’s manufacturing sites around the world will continue to work closely with regulatory authorities to comply with regulations and strive to reduce any environmental impact.

Minimizing PFAS Emissions

Daikin is investing more than $300 million to capture PFAS in our water discharges.
We have achieved our internal target of recovering 99% of the polymerization emulsifiers released from the fluoropolymer manufacturing processes in the United States and Europe.
All Daikin manufacturing facilities are now working towards a new internal target of 99.9% PFAS (*1) capture in process water discharges. Once achieved, this ambitious goal will help minimize the potential impacts of PFAS manufacturing and set a new benchmark for responsible PFAS-related manufacturing across the globe.

Continuous Improvement

Daikin is committed to continuously improving all manufacturing processes and exploring and implementing new technologies to ensure the safe manufacture of chemical products.

As part of this effort, we are transitioning all fluoropolymer manufacturing processes to more sustainable new technologies. For fluoroelastomers, we aim to switch to products using new technologies by 2025, and for other fluoropolymers, we aim to switch to new technologies by around 2030. Additionally, for new manufacturing facilities constructed from 2023 onwards, we are introducing manufacturing methods that adopt sustainable technologies.

Recycling Initiatives

Daikin is working on the collection, reuse, recycling, and destruction of fluorochemical products it manufactures, aiming to reduce the environmental impact throughout their lifecycle for circular economy.

Recycling Initiatives
Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling Business
Fluoropolymer Recovery and Recycling Business
Utilizing Recycled Fluorite

Remarks:
(*1) PFAS refer to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, which can be individually identified and quantified by analytical methods accepted by legislative and regulatory authorities.