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Tefal Faces Legal Ultimatum Over 'Forever Chemicals'
13 Oct
Summary
- Environmental groups issued legal notice to Groupe SEB over PFAS use.
- Tefal's non-stick cookware contains PFAS, with EU legislation expected in 2027.
- NGOs claim Groupe SEB's vigilance plan inadequately addresses PTFE risks.
Three environmental groups, ClientEarth, Générations Futures, and Notre Affaire à Tous, have formally notified French manufacturer Groupe SEB, which owns the Tefal brand, over its continued use of PFAS, also known as 'forever chemicals.' The NGOs contend that Groupe SEB's current practices and its vigilance plan are inadequate, failing to recognize the risks associated with PTFE, a PFAS used in Tefal's non-stick cookware. This legal step precedes potential future lawsuits if the company does not commit to phasing out PFAS within three months.
The situation is unfolding as the European Union prepares to introduce new legislation on PFAS, with proposals anticipated in early 2027. The European Chemicals Agency has previously flagged growing risks from these substances, advocating for a broad ban. Environmental lawyers emphasize that assessing the risks of chemicals like PTFE requires examining the entire value chain, from production to disposal. Alternatives to PTFE in cookware, such as cast iron, already exist, prompting calls for Groupe SEB to plan a transition for its workforce and product lines.
