The Viton^TM Story: Superior Seal, Scarce Supply

The supply of FPM (Viton^TM) material in Europe is facing significant challenges, primarily due to proposed EU restrictions on Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA) and related substances, which are crucial polymerization aids in fluoroelastomer production. If these restrictions are fully implemented without exemptions, the ability to manufacture fluoroelastomers like FPM/Viton^TM in the EU would be severely impacted, leading to global supply disruptions. This situation is further compounded by existing global supply chain issues stemming from the pandemic, including increased demand for goods, labor shortages, and logistical bottlenecks. For the USA, this means a potential tightening of the Viton^TM market, as European production is a significant component of the global supply. Given that there are no direct replacements for Viton^TM in many critical applications due to its superior chemical and high-temperature resistance, these disruptions could lead to increased lead times and higher costs for Viton^TM-based products in the US, affecting industries from automotive to aerospace. We've noticed a delay in obtaining Viton^TM material at EPM due to ongoing supply chain issues. Please be aware that seal orders made with Viton^TM could experience a lead time of up to four weeks, depending on availability. To mitigate this, we have partnered with an additional FPM supplier who will also provide us with high-quality Viton^TM material.