PFAS Risk Management: From Stakeholder to Supply Chain

Managing PFAS risk is no longer optional—it’s essential. Companies that have per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their products, packaging or waste streams face a rising tide of legal, regulatory, financial, supply chain and stakeholder pressures. Addressing these potential risks requires a comprehensive risk management approach.
The Importance of Managing PFAS Risk
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are found in a wide range of industrial and consumer products, from firefighting foams to textiles to beauty products. PFAS compounds are valued for their unique chemical qualities, which are used to imbue products with oil and water repellency, surfactant qualities, chemical or heat resistance, or non-stick surfaces.
However, over the last few decades, there has been growing concern about the long-term impact of some PFAS on human health and the environment. PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they are very persistent in the environment. PFAS contamination can enter the environment through industrial waste streams, municipal waste, agricultural runoff, and runoff from military bases or airports using aqueous film-forming firefighting foams (AFFFs). PFAS chemicals are now widely found in groundwater, surface water, soil, and biological tissues of plants and wildlife around the globe, even in remote Arctic and Antarctic locations.
PFAS enters the environment through multiple pathways.
Exposure to PFAS presents potential risks not only in occupational contexts but also to the general population. These toxic substances have been linked to a variety of human health problems, including immune system effects, liver and kidney damage, endocrine issues, developmental and reproductive issues, and several forms of cancer.
As information on PFAS risk accrues, both regulatory agencies and the general public are increasingly aware of the dangers of PFAS and the importance of taking steps to address PFAS risk. That translates to an increasing number of lawsuits and regulatory actions, along with pressure from consumers and communities to get PFAS out of their products, drinking water and local ecosystems.
This makes PFAS risk management an urgent priority for companies that have these chemicals in their products, packaging, supply chains and waste streams. Understanding where their risks and liabilities lie will help companies make better mitigation decisions and develop products that are safer for humans and the environment. That includes taking steps to manage risks related to the regulatory environment, lawsuits and legal challenges, consumer preferences, market pressures, supply chain obsolescence, and other challenges.
Below, we explore the five main categories of PFAS risk.
5 Main Categories: PFAS Risk
#1: Regulatory Risk
The regulatory landscape for PFAS is complex and constantly evolving. In the U.S., for example, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently established strict maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for certain PFAS in drinking water (such as PFOA and PFOS, among others). PFAS regulation is now moving beyond drinking water to cover a broader range of products and environmental exposures, with many individual states enacting their own restrictions. Internationally, frameworks like the EU’s REACH are pushing for potential bans on entire classes of PFAS chemicals.
For businesses, keeping up with these regulations is a challenge. Each new restriction requires adaptation, whether that means reformulating products, changing suppliers, or upgrading wastewater treatment facilities. Regulatory compliance is critical to avoid costly fines and brand damage, and companies must stay vigilant as new rules emerge. They must also take proactive steps to ensure compliance with existing and emerging regulations in the areas in which they sell or operate.
#2: Stakeholder Risk
As consumers and communities grow more aware of PFAS-related risks, they’re increasingly holding companies accountable. PFAS contamination of water sources has spurred local communities to demand action from nearby industries. Consumers, meanwhile, are scrutinizing brands, looking for transparency about product ingredients and environmental safety. Investors are also paying closer attention, encouraging companies to meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) benchmarks, which may include reducing or eliminating PFAS from products and processes.
A company’s reputation is invaluable, and any mishandling of PFAS risk can lead to public distrust. The most proactive companies are embracing transparency, providing clear information about PFAS management efforts, and showcasing a commitment to safer, more sustainable practices.
#3: Legal Risk
The presence of PFAS in products and manufacturing processes may expose companies to significant legal risks, particularly if the PFAS substances are already regulated (such as PFOA and PFOS) or have been directly linked to specific human health or environmental harms. Lawsuits around PFAS are rising, with claims related to contaminated water, health impacts, and environmental damage from industrial waste containing PFAS. Since 1999, nearly 10,000 lawsuits have been filed in the U.S. against companies associated with PFAS contamination.
Legal fees, settlements and remediation costs can quickly add up, turning PFAS into a costly liability. Companies must be prepared to handle these risks by removing PFAS in products and waste streams or moving to safer alternatives. They must also be prepared to defend themselves from lawsuits in cases where the source of and liability for PFAS contamination may be unclear.
#4: Financial Risk
Managing PFAS risk comes at a price, both in direct costs like litigation and cleanup and indirect costs such as lost customers and market share. Many consumers and investors now prefer PFAS-free products, pushing companies to invest in safer alternatives and reformulate products. Financial risks are further compounded by cleanup requirements in cases of environmental contamination, which can stretch on for years and require substantial resources.
Companies can mitigate these costs by proactively adopting PFAS-free alternatives and sustainable production practices. By planning ahead, businesses can minimize the financial burden of addressing PFAS risks and potentially even capture new market opportunities with safer, eco-friendly products.
#5: Supply Chain Risk
The complexity of modern supply chains can make it difficult to track PFAS chemicals effectively. PFAS are often hidden within components or packaging materials, and they’re not always listed on Safety Data Sheets (SDS) from suppliers. Even if a company doesn’t directly use PFAS in its processes, hidden PFAS chemicals can find their way into products via contaminated process water or third-party components. Another risk associated with supply chains is raw material obsolescence; as the legal and regulatory environment around PFAS tightens, some material inputs may no longer be available, requiring companies to find new formulations.
For manufacturers, identifying and mitigating supply chain risks is essential. This includes conducting audits, working closely with suppliers, and demanding transparency about PFAS in materials. Many companies are also investing in PFAS-free alternatives to prevent disruptions and ensure compliance.
Getting Started with PFAS Risk Management
Tackling PFAS risk may seem daunting, but companies don’t have to go it alone. Battelle, a leader in PFAS analysis and remediation, offers end-to-end solutions to help companies address PFAS risks across the entire lifecycle—from product development and supply chain audits to environmental remediation. With advanced testing methods, alternative assessments, and compliance support, Battelle equips businesses with the tools they need to manage PFAS risks effectively.
Ready to manage PFAS risk? Fill out a contact form or email us at [email protected] to get in touch with the PFAS experts at Battelle. For the full picture on managing PFAS risks, download our "Understanding, Managing and Mitigating PFAS Risk" white paper today.
Featured Expert

Dan Longbrake
Director, Commercial Business Development and Sales, PFAS, Emerging Chemicals, Permitting, Environmental Compliance
Dan leads and facilitates commercial engagements to develop and advance Battelle’s PFAS and environmental technologies, tools, and services. He has over 36 years of experience in the environmental industry. Dan joined Battelle in January 2021, and since that time has focused on developing and executing go-to-market strategies, creating alignment and nurturing client relationships, and positioning Battelle as a trusted partner.
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