On Wednesday, hundreds of Seb Group employees gathered in Paris to protest against a proposed law on PFAS, also known as “eternal pollutants,” that they fear could jeopardize their jobs. The demonstrators carried signs saying “Don’t touch my pan” and “Let’s save the pans Made in France,” as they expressed their desire to continue producing Tefal utensils using fluorinated components.
The group’s general director, Stanislas de Gramont, declared their demand for the withdrawal of the law, stating that it posed a direct threat to the 3,000 jobs at the Seb factories in Rumilly and Tournus, where Tefal stoves are manufactured. The group claims that PTFE, used for the non-stick coating of most of its pans, is not harmful to health or the environment, but scientists disagree.
Scientists argue that while PTFE may not pose immediate health risks under normal conditions, its manufacture and disposal can lead to potentially toxic byproducts. The bill proposing to ban certain products containing PFAS is set to be debated and voted on in the Assembly, with efforts to reduce the presence of these substances at the European level.
The mobilization of the Seb group has prompted some lawmakers to consider amendments to postpone the ban on PFAS-containing products. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal highlighted the government’s efforts to address the issue at the European level, emphasizing the importance of not weakening French industry in comparison to neighboring countries. The debate over PFAS regulations continues to be a topic of concern for both industry stakeholders and environmentalists.
