The ChemSec report indicates that major PFAS manufacturers are expanding production capacity to meet demand from data centers, semiconductor producers, and lithium-ion battery material suppliers. These substances are valued for their heat resistance in cooling systems and chip manufacturing.
Daikin is constructing a new facility in Japan to produce FFKM perfluoroelastomer for chip equipment, with deliveries starting in 2027. The company plans to triple its production capacity for this material. Meanwhile, Arkema launched a 15,000-ton-per-year HFO 1233zd plant in Kentucky in 2025, a project valued at $60 million.
Chemours is developing the Opteon 2P50 fluid for two-phase immersion cooling, claiming it can reduce cooling energy costs by up to 90%. ChemSec estimates that PFAS products account for half to two-thirds of Chemours' revenue, totaling $5.8 billion. The product is currently awaiting regulatory approval.
Legal and environmental challenges are mounting. In January, 192 French residents and four environmental groups sued Arkema and Daikin, seeking €36 million in damages over alleged PFAS contamination. Additionally, 17 environmental organizations have petitioned the US EPA to reject the approval of Chemours' Opteon 2P50.
