Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) has multiple applications.
It helps the pharmaceutical sector, as an intermediate in the synthesis of active ingredients, notably antivirals, anti-HIV therapies, and anti-cancer therapies. It is also used as a raw material for crop protection. Solvay has manufactured TFA at the Salindres site in France until September 2024 and used it as a raw material at its Bad Wimpfen plant in Germany.
TFA differs from other substances in the PFAS family in several respects.
According to a definition established by the OECD*, TFA belongs to the family of PFAS substances, along with several thousand substances with different properties. TFA has been registered under the European Union's REACH regulation with relevant hazard and risk assessments. In-depth environmental and toxicological studies carried out by certified independent bodies have not shown accumulation in the human body, mammals or aquatic life. It is neither classified nor suspected as a carcinogenic substance.
Scientific understanding of TFA is continually advancing.
For more than 160 years, Solvay has been adapting its processes and actions up to the highest known standards and regulations. While strongly believing that one should differentiate between the various types of PFAS on the basis of scientific considerations, and while clear benchmarks are not yet fully established and regulatory standards are still in the process of being defined, Solvay recognizes the emerging concerns around the PFAS issue.
Protecting the health and safety of our employees, neighbouring communities, and the environment has always been part of our culture and our first priority.
This commitment is reflected in our responsible manufacturing practices at all our sites, which include efficient production processes and continuous efforts to reduce the impact on the environment. We continually invest in the best available technologies to ensure responsible manufacturing and emission reduction, and our operations are subject to strict regulatory oversight.
Due to a continued, structural and substantial reduction in demand for TFA, in an increasingly difficult economic and competitive context, Solvay decided in September 2024 to cease production at the Salindres site in France.
More information on the regulation of TFA
More information on our decision to stop production at Salindres
* OECD, 2021, Reconciling Terminology of the Universe of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances