PFAS: is pharmaceutical manufacturing prepared for the next compliance challenge?

Published: 13-Aug-2026
Ingredients Regulatory

Although pharmaceutical manufacturers already operate within one of the most highly regulated sectors, increasing PFAS scrutiny is creating a new area of potential risk

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PFAS: is pharmaceutical manufacturing prepared for the next compliance challenge?

From manufacturing processes and packaging materials to supply chains and waste management, pharmaceutical manufacturers need to understand where PFAS exist in their operations … and how future regulation could affect them.

PFAS: is pharmaceutical manufacturing prepared for the next compliance challenge?

Emma Reilly (pictured), a solicitor specialising in environmental law at Schofield Sweeney, explains more. PFAS or “forever chemicals” are becoming an increasingly significant commercial and legal concern for UK pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Earlier this year, the UK Government published its 2026 PFAS Plan, setting out its strategy to understand, manage and restrict the use of these substances.

More stringent regulation is expected to be implemented in the coming years.

Many pharmaceutical manufacturers assume PFAS regulation won’t apply to them because the medicines they produce don’t contain them. 

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