EPEAT and TCO Certified: How Leading Ecolabels Restrict PFAS for Safer Chemistry
Overview
In recent years, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals”, have come under increasing scrutiny due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks. As a global sustainability consulting firm, REACH24H understands the critical role the electronics industry plays in addressing the PFAS challenge.
This article provides an in-depth look at how two of the world’s leading ecolabels for electronics — EPEAT and TCO Certified — are working to restrict the use of PFAS and promote safer, more sustainable product innovation.
EPEAT Registry: Multifaceted & Precise Voluntary PFAS Control Standards
The EPEAT Conformity Assurance Criteria for Chemicals of Concern (EPEAT-COC-2025) introduces a set of optional yet detailed requirements aimed at systematically reducing PFAS in electronic products.
PFAS Definition under EPEAT
Based on the OECD definition, EPEAT defines PFAS as substances containing at least one fully fluorinated methyl (–CF₃) or methylene (–CF₂–) carbon atom, excluding certain functional derivatives (e.g., CF₃–X where X = –OR, –NRR′, etc.).
Key Optional Criteria for PFAS Management under EPEAT
PFAS Reduction in Plastic Components
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No PFAS shall be present in plastic parts ≥25g (or ≥10g for mobile phones), including in coatings.
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Manufacturers must test total fluorine content; if it exceeds 100 ppm:
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Demonstrate at least 80% of the fluorine originates from non-PFAS substances, or
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Meet specific exemptions, such as:
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Plastics with ≥25% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content may contain ≤5000 ppm fluorine.
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PFAS used for fire safety compliance (e.g., UL 94) when non-halogenated alternatives are unavailable.
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PFAS used in components in direct contact with toner, ink, or paper must be disclosed.
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PFAS Disclosure Requirements
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Manufacturers must record intentionally added PFAS (including CAS numbers) and disclose them publicly via their website.
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When suppliers claim confidential business information (CBI), the presence of PFAS must still be disclosed with a CBI note.
Hazard Assessment of PFAS (All Optional Criteria)
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Mandatory for PFAS used in:
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Key components (motherboards, CPUs, SSDs, GPUs, batteries, etc.)
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Surfactants in semiconductor etching solutions
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Solvents in lubricants, coatings, and adhesives
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Assessments must use approved methodologies such as:
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GreenScreen® for Safer Chemicals
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Cradle to Cradle Certified®
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Acceptable results: No Benchmark-1, Benchmark-2, or Benchmark-U with worst-case Benchmark-1 (GreenScreen); preferred results: Benchmark-3 or Benchmark-4.
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Valid for 5 years; manufacturers have an 18-month grace period if updated assessments downgrade hazard levels.
Restrictions on PFAS in Packaging
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No intentional addition of PFAS to any packaging components.
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Total fluorine concentration:
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≤100 ppm for standard packaging
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≤1000 ppm for packaging with ≥25% PCR content
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TCO Certified: Indirect PFAS Regulation via Halogen Restrictions
While TCO Certified Generation 10 does not explicitly name PFAS in its criteria, it restricts their use through broad halogen-based chemical management. Here are the relevant requirements:
Restrictions on Halogenated Additives
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Enclosures, PCBs, and external cables (>0.5g) must not contain intentionally added halogenated flame retardants, plasticizers, or stabilizers.
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This indirectly restricts PFAS if used in such roles.
Exemptions
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Fluorinated organic additives used to improve material performance (e.g., anti-drip properties) are allowed at ≤0.5% by weight in homogeneous materials.
Safety Assessment of Non-Halogenated Alternatives
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Any alternative flame retardants or stabilizers — including those containing PFAS — must be listed in the TCO Accepted Substance List, based on hazard assessments (e.g., GreenScreen Benchmark-2 or higher).
Thus, compliance depends on the PFAS’s function, concentration, and evaluation status.
Expert Perspective: A Joint Push Toward Safer Chemistry
While EPEAT and TCO Certified differ in their approach to regulating PFAS, both contribute to the same overarching goal: enhancing chemical safety and transparency in electronics.
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EPEAT provides clear and direct PFAS-related criteria, including reduction, disclosure, and hazard assessment.
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TCO Certified sets systemic restrictions that effectively influence PFAS usage through halogen management and substance evaluation.
Together, these ecolabels are shaping the future of sustainable electronics. Manufacturers are encouraged to take proactive steps by auditing their supply chains, seeking safer alternatives, and improving the chemical transparency of their products.
How REACH24H Can Help
As your sustainability compliance partner, REACH24H offers:
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PFAS Policy Analysis & Impact Assessment
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GreenScreen®-based Chemical Hazard Evaluation Services
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EPEAT & TCO Certification Support
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Sustainable Design & Supply Chain Consulting
Stay ahead of PFAS regulations and certification demands. Contact us to learn how your electronics products can meet the highest standards of chemical safety and environmental responsibility.
