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Fraunhofer IFAM and Plasmatreat collaborate on PFAS-free coating technologies
Fraunhofer IFAM and Plasmatreat are accelerating the industrial adoption of PFAS-free coating systems. The partnership focuses on sustainable plasma-based coatings, catering to industries like plastics, packaging, and medical technology.
Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM) and Plasmatreat have announced an expanded partnership to fast-track the industrial deployment of PFAS-free coating technologies. The collaboration centres on the transfer of innovations from research to production, focusing on the low-pressure plasma coating systems “Plaslon” and “UltraPlas”. These technologies offer sustainable, fluorine- and PFAS-free alternatives to conventional coatings, addressing rising regulatory and environmental demands.
Plasmatreat, a specialist in plasma systems and applications, will support the scaling and integration of these technologies into existing manufacturing processes. Magnus Buske, Managing Director of Plasmatreat, outlined the goal: “We are bringing ‘Plaslon’ and ‘UltraPlas’ to where the need exists, enabling customers to adopt the technology quickly and with minimal risk.”
PFAS-free technologies for diverse industries
The “Plaslon” system, developed by Fraunhofer IFAM, provides a durable, non-stick coating with high temperature and chemical resistance. It is particularly suitable for complex geometries and applications where PFAS-free and solvent-free solutions are required, such as in food processing and packaging.
Meanwhile, the “UltraPlas” coating is tailored for thermoplastic and elastomer processing, reducing demolding issues and cleaning requirements in injection moulding. This PFAS-free solution enhances process stability, shortens downtime, and ensures high reproduction accuracy.
Dr. Klaus Vissing of Fraunhofer IFAM highlighted the collaboration’s broader impact: “Together, we ensure that our PFAS-free developments do not remain in the lab but are integrated into industrial production as qualified coating systems.”
Bridging research and production
By combining Fraunhofer IFAM’s expertise in plasma-based surface coatings with Plasmatreat’s application know-how, the partnership enables industries such as plastics processing, toolmaking, and medical technology to access turnkey solutions. Both “Plaslon” and “UltraPlas” are designed to meet increasing demands for sustainable, regulatory-compliant coatings, offering a competitive edge in environmentally conscious markets.
The collaboration is a significant step forward for companies seeking advanced, sustainable, and efficient coating technologies.