Much has been reported recently about the environmental impact of PFAS and the increasing regulatory action surrounding uses, making this an important moment to provide clarity and reassurance for our customers.
PFAS, per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have been used for decades, and were once regarded as “wonder chemicals”, valued for their exceptional stability, heat‑resistance and performance across a wide range of industrial applications, including lubricants. Only in recent years has the full picture become clear.
PFAS do not break down. They persist in the environment and accumulate in water, soil and in living organisms, earning them the label “forever chemicals.” As the scientific evidence has developed, regulators around the world have begun to act.
For the rail sector, this matters. Many rail lubrication systems are total-loss applications, where product is deliberately deposited onto the rail and inevitably enters the surrounding trackside environment. That reality places an additional responsibility on lubricant selection, and it is one RS Clare has considered carefully for many years.
We want to confirm to our customers that RS Clare has never used PFAS chemicals in any of our rail track products.
This is not the result of recent reformulation and is not a reactive substitution driven by emerging regulation. It simply reflects how our products have always been designed. PFAS have never been necessary to achieve the performance required for rail lubrication.
Key requirements such as friction control and resistance to wash‑off and compatibility with rail and wheel materials are fully and reliably achieved through our own carefully engineered formulations.
PFAS offer no performance advantage that our chemistry cannot already provide, and given the environmental exposure inherent in total‑loss systems, there has never been a justification for their use.
Our commitment to responsible formulation is further supported by verification: several RS Clare products also carry the EU Ecolabel, the independently verified mark that certifies reduced environmental impact across a product’s full lifecycle, from raw material sourcing through manufacture and to end-of-life considerations. It is one of the most rigorous environmental standards available and provides additional assurance for customers with sustainability and responsible procurement requirements.
We will continue to monitor the evolving legislative landscape and will keep our customers informed as requirements develop. If you have questions about PFAS, regulatory compliance, or product suitability for your rail operations, our team is ready to help.
Get in Touch
To discuss PFAS compliance, product suitability or sustainable lubrication for your rail operations, contact us: info@rsclare.co.uk
