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NIA-PFAS Polycarbonates with Flame Retardancy for Consumer Electronics
Tightening PFAS rules are driving consumer electronics to balance performance and sustainability. Our NIA-PFAS solutions support safety compliance and enable industry upgrades through advanced material innovation.
Story · September 23, 2025
Shaping Next-Gen Electronics with Proven NIA-PFAS Innovation
Our NIA-PFAS solutions have been validated in consumer electronics such as laptops and IoT devices.
In these validated applications, our solutions not only align with the EU’s proposed PFAS restrictions but also deliver excellent flame retardancy while maintaining strong mechanical performance.
Our glass fiber-reinforced Makrolon® achieves UL 94 V-0 rating at 1.0 mm and offers improved surface quality compared to standard GF-reinforced grades. In addition, as part of the glass fiber-reinforced portfolio, this series is available in low-carbon versions containing up to 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, helping brands achieve their circularity goals.
With a broad product portfolio and deep innovation experience, we aim to accelerate a smooth transition across multiple application scenarios, helping partners meet evolving compliance requirements without compromising product performance and quality.
We stand at a pivotal moment for materials innovation in consumer electronics. Driven by growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products, we are committed to advancing the industry’s transition toward safe and sustainable solutions through continuous technological innovation.
Thomas Derichs
Global Head of Industrial Marketing Electronics and Electrical, Covestro
Diverse NIA-PFAS Polycarbonate Portfolio Drives Safer, Sustainable Electronics
Due to its unique properties and wide range of applications, substituting PFAS presents significant challenges in the entire manufacturing process. We’re actively tackling this issue by delivering alternatives that help minimize supply chain restructuring costs. Backed by 70 years of polycarbonate expertise, we have developed new Makrolon® and Bayblend® flame-retardant grades manufactured without intentionally added PFAS, aligning with the EU’s proposed PFAS restrictions and the latest EPEAT guidelines aimed at reducing hazardous chemicals.
Today, we offer over 20 NIA-PFAS solutions with UL 94 V-0 flame retardancy, including transparent, glass fiber-reinforced, and mineral-filled grades. These materials deliver excellent performance comparable to traditional PFAS-based options, while offering enhanced safety and meeting rigorous industry standards. In addition, our portfolio includes low carbon footprint solutions to support the industry’s transition toward greater circularity. Our solutions enable exceptional thin-wall flame resistance down to low thicknesses and deliver robust mechanical strength to endure drops and impacts. They offer a broad temperature resistance range, with Vicat softening temperature can reach up to 140°C. High flowability and low warpage allow for refined, seamless designs across diverse applications.
To further support circularity, select grades contain up to 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, delivering high-quality comparable to virgin grades, while reducing resource consumption. Our NIA-PFAS portfolio also includes grades made from bio-circular attributed feedstock, offering a significant reduction in carbon footprint.
The Material Effect
Next-gen flame-retardant NIA-PFAS* polycarbonates offers excellent fire protection. Developed by the inventor of polycarbonates, these materials combine deep chemistry knowledge with application expertise. A further step toward more sustainable solutions. * (NIA = non-intentionally added)
Key benefits
NIA-PFAS:
Compliant with the EU’s PFAS restriction regulation proposal and EPEAT guidelines
Flame Retardancy:
Meet UL 94 V-0 standards down to low thicknesses
Durability:
Robust mechanical properties, dimensional stability, and wide temperature adaptability
Design Freedom:
High flowability and low warpage for seamless appearance
Low Carbon:
Available in RP and RE versions
