Asahi Kasei Develops PFAS-Free PA66 Offering Low-Friction and High-Load Performance

DUESSELDORF, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 29, 2026--

As global regulations on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) tighten across the European Union and the United States, manufacturers across industries are urgently seeking high-performance materials that meet evolving environmental and safety standards—without compromising technical performance. Asahi Kasei, a diversified global company, announced the development of a new PFAS-free polyamide (PA) engineered specifically for demanding low-friction applications.

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For decades, PFAS additives have been relied upon to deliver low friction and wear resistance in engineering plastics. As regulatory pressure intensifies, industries ranging from automotive to industrial machinery are seeking alternative solutions. Asahi Kasei’s newly developed PFAS-free PA addresses this shift by combining environmental responsibility with the advanced material performance required for next-generation components.

The new PA exhibits excellent low-friction and sliding properties—crucial for applications where lubrication with oil or grease is not possible. It maintains stable performance under high-load and high-temperature conditions. These characteristics make it ideal for mechanical parts such as gears, chain guides, and other sliding components that must operate reliably in dry environments.

To meet the diverse needs of manufacturers worldwide, Asahi Kasei offers PFAS-free PA in both unreinforced and reinforced grades. These options allow engineers to select the optimal balance of strength, stiffness, and durability for their specific applications.

Utilizing its unique processing control technology, Asahi Kasei can further tailor the material’s performance profile. Customized formulations can optimize filler content, heat resistance, stiffness, and behavior under wet conditions—providing design flexibility that helps customers transition smoothly to PFAS-free solutions without sacrificing product performance.

“As industries around the world move away from PFAS, we see a strong need for materials that go beyond compliance and actually raise the bar for durability and efficiency,” said Yoshitaka Hori, Senior General Manager of Asahi Kasei's LEONA PA66 business. “Our new PFAS-free PA delivers exactly that, and we are excited to support our customers in building safer, more sustainable products.”

To learn more about the new material, visit: https://www.asahi-kasei-plastics.com/en/products/leona/pfas-free/

About Asahi Kasei

The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its foundation in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber business, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With 50,000 employees worldwide, the company contributes to sustainable society by providing solutions to the world’s challenges through its three business sectors of Healthcare, Homes, and Material. For more information, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com/.

Asahi Kasei is also dedicated to sustainability initiatives and is contributing to reaching a carbon neutral society by 2050. To learn more, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com/sustainability/.

Gears with PFAS-free PA

Norfolk Southern's quarterly profit slipped 12% amid the uncertain economy as well as unusual costs related to its efforts to merge with Union Pacific in an $85 billion deal that would create a transcontinental railroad.

Norfolk Southern said it made $644 million, or $2.87 per share, in the fourth quarter. That's down from $733 million, or $3.23 per share, a year ago. But both results were affected by one-time charges. This year, the merger added $58 million in costs and the 2023 East Palestine, Ohio, derailment added another $23 million.

Excluding that, the Atlanta-based railroad said it would have made $725 million, or $3.22 per share. But even the bottom-line number is better than the $2.78 per share that the analysts surveyed by FactSet Research had predicted.

CEO Mark George said Norfolk Southern is focused on improving efficiency while it works with UP to draft a merger application the Surface Transportation Board will consider. Regulators rejected the railroads' initial application because they want more details. Norfolk Southern said it recorded $215 million in annual productivity savings last year.

“In 2025, we strengthened the foundation of our railroad. We kept our cost commitments, maintained reliable service, and delivered measurable safety gains with the company’s best injury and accident rates in more than a decade,” George said.

Norfolk Southern is one of the largest freight railroads in the country with operations in the eastern U.S. If it is able to join with Union Pacific in the middle of the country the combined railroad would have more than 50,000 miles of track in 43 states with connections to major ports on both coasts. But the deal faces a lengthy regulatory review and some shippers, competitors and unions have already started to come out on both sides.

FILE - A Norfolk Southern freight train rolls past the U.S. Steel's Clairton Coke Works, in Clairton, Pa., Aug. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)