Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC
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Press and Media
PFAROS: Driving Sustainable Innovation to Minimise PFAS in European Healthcare
[Ghent, Belgium, September 1, 2026] — A new European research and innovation initiative, PFAROS, has launched to strengthen collaboration among healthcare system stakeholders and to support integrated solutions to address per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) concerns in the pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors. Funded under the Innovative Health Initiative Joint Undertaking (IHI JU), PFAROS is aligned with European Union public health, environmental, and industrial policy objectives.
Fraunhofer ISC contributes its materials expertise and many years of experience in the field of PFAS alternative materials across a wide range of applications. These include, for example, PFAS-free materials for water- and oil-repellent protective coatings for plastic surfaces and textiles, for antimicrobial coatings, and for gas-tight barrier layers, as well as comprehensive analytical and testing expertise for functional coatings. Fraunhofer ISC is also involved in adapting PFAS alternative materials to meet the requirements for medical devices, and the institute supports the assessment of biocompatibility with its in vitro test models. In addition, the institute is contributing to digitalization initiatives and developing a digital tool designed to provide decision-making support for the evaluation and replacement of PFAS in medical devices.