Marc Masen (Imperial College) – Assessing ultralow PTFE wear mechanisms using in-situ tribometry

Dr Marc Masen is Reader in Tribology and Mechanical Engineering Design at Imperial College London, specialising in the mechanics of soft tissue as well as fundamental wear mechanisms. His research examines friction and wear in skin and other compliant materials, as well as engineering materials such as PTFE.

With impending PFAS restrictions, identifying safe and effective alternatives for polymer interfaces is critical. This presentation examines the mechanisms underlying PTFE’s distinctive friction and wear behavior through in-situ tribometry. Findings highlight the roles of moisture adsorption and tribofilm formation, offering valuable insights for developing PFAS-free, low-friction, high-performance polymer materials.

Cindy Vandecasteele (ECEA) – How the automotive sector is striving to embrace PFAS-free solutions

Cindy Vandecasteele holds the position of Senior Environmental Policy Manager at ACEA, where she focuses on chemical and environmental policy issues related to the European automotive industry.

REACH and Stockholm restrictions have long shaped the automotive industry, where substitution is common but risky, often leading to chains of regrettable replacements. Upcoming PFAS restrictions will force the search for PFAS-free alternatives. However, ensuring these meet safety and technical requirements while avoiding future regrettable substitutions demands time and caution.

Jacco van Haveren (WUR) – How to tackle the PFAS issue; from PFAS analysis to exploring PFAS alternatives

Dr. Jacco van Haveren is a Programme Manager at Wageningen University & Research, leading the Safe and Circular Biobased Products programme. He focuses on developing biobased chemicals, polymers, and fuels, advancing sustainable alternatives for plastics, coatings, and additives in close collaboration with industry and academia.

This presentation will showcase PFAS research at Wageningen University and Research, covering strategies to monitor PFAS in the Dutch environment, innovative binding methods for water purification, emerging degradation techniques, and the application of sustainable-by-design principles in developing biobased PFAS alternatives.

Adrienne Sips (RIVM) – Safe and Sustainable by Design: A Key to Future-Proof Alternatives for PFAS?

Dr. Adrienne Sips works at RIVM as research coordinator nanotechnology & advanced materials. She is dedicated to connecting science, policy, regulation, and innovation. With a background in toxicokinetics and expertise in areas such as nanotechnology and Safe and Sustainable by Design, she focuses on translating scientific knowledge into practical frameworks that support innovation while safeguarding human health and the environment.

PFAS deliver unique performance but face increasing restrictions due to their persistence and safety risks for man and its environment. Developing viable alternatives with equal or improved functionality is therefore a pressing challenge. The European Commission has introduced a framework for Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD), now frequently referenced in Horizon Europe calls and innovation strategies. RIVM, as a Dutch government knowledge institute, draws on its expertise and network to support translation of this framework into practical approaches for material innovation. This presentation highlights how SSbD can support the development of PFAS alternatives and invites discussion on giving shape to knowledge sharing and collaboration.

Ola Wroblewska & Antonis Vasileiadis (ASML) – PFAS inside semiconductor manufacturing equipment

Dr. ir. Ola Wroblewska is a subject matter expert on polymers at ASML. She brings deep expertise in thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, and advanced characterization. Prior to ASML, Ola worked on recyclable and bio-based polymer networks at VITO and as a post-doc in Ghent University. She holds a PhD from Maastricht University and a MSc from Gdańsk University of Technology.

Antonis Vasileiadis, M. Sc., is a materials engineer and a polymer chemist, holding degrees from Maastricht University and University of Ioannina. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Groningen University with his research spanning polymer synthesis, green chemistry, and sustainable materials.

ASML’s tools use extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light, ultra-polished mirrors, and tightly controlled environments. But none of this works without the right materials. Why are materials so critical? Why isn’t naming a material enough? And what does this have to do with PFAS? These questions matter because the future of chipmaking depends on more than just advanced engineering—it depends on material science.

Catarina Esteves (TU/e) – Designing surfaces for PFAS-free hydrophobic coatings

Dr. Catarina Esteves, Associate Professor at TU/e, leads the Coatings, Surfaces & Interfaces group, advancing sustainable polymer materials and coatings through fundamental and applied research. She also serves as Editor of Progress in Organic Coatings (Elsevier) and Chairs the annual Coatings Science International Conference (CoSI).

Hydrophobic coatings protect surfaces from water, oils, and contaminants, enabling functions like anti-icing and self-cleaning. These coatings traditionally gain durability, inertness and water resistance from the presence of fluorinated species, often in the form of PFAS additives. Catarina will present her research on PFAS-free strategies — using alternative chemistries and surface designs — to inspire sustainable hydrophobic solutions.

Ronald Pet & Rens Groenewoud (Wittenburg Group) – PFAS Replacement in Medical and Engineering Plastics: Tailored Solutions for a Complex Challenge

Ronald Pet, Global Business Development Manager at Witcom Engineering Plastics, drives PFAS-free engineering compound initiatives, aligning high-performance polymer innovation with regulatory requirements and sustainability goals.

Rens Groenewoud, with a business administration background, leads Wittenburg Group’s biomedical unit, bridging commercial strategy with R&D to advance implantable and next-generation polymer materials.

Replacing PFAS in biomedical and engineering plastics presents a complex challenge, as no single substitute can meet diverse performance demands. Wittenburg Group develops tailored compounds preserving durability, resistance, and compliance in engineering applications, while advancing resorbable materials in medical contexts as pathways toward PFAS-free solutions. This presentation will highlight their views on tackling this challenge across both domains.

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