Syensqo Stops C6O4 Production in Italy

Syensqo, a Belgian specialty chemicals company, has ceased production of C6O4 at its Spinetta Marengo facility in Italy. This marks the completion of a 2022 commitment to phase out fluorosurfactants by 2026.

C6O4 was the last fluorosurfactant used in the manufacture of certain fluoropolymers at the site. The company continues to supply high-performance fluoropolymers for applications in semiconductors, batteries, hydrogen technology, and other specialized industrial uses.

Since 2019, Syensqo has invested in research and innovation to develop a new polymerisation process that eliminates the need for fluorosurfactants while maintaining the performance and reliability customers expect. These technologies have been rolled out across the company’s product lines.

Nearly 100% of Syensqo’s fluoropolymers are now manufactured without fluorosurfactants. A small number, approximately 1% of the site’s production volume, of highly specialized fluoropolymers still require additional research and qualification before transitioning to the new technology.

Existing C6O4 inventories will be used to manufacture these fluoropolymers using the company’s described best available technology for emissions reduction. Syensqo has confirmed PFAS-free alternatives are now available across its entire fluorosurfactant portfolio.

These alternatives maintain the performance characteristics formulators rely on, including surface tension reduction, substrate wetting, and levelling, critical in waterborne coatings systems and other industrial applications.