Fraunhofer ISC Commercializes Renewable-Based, Fluorine-Free ORMOCER® Coatings, Achieving PFAS-Equivalent Performance and Over 25% Environmental Impact Reduction

July 19, 2026

Fraunhofer ISC Germany

Overview

Germany’s Fraunhofer ISC has developed and commercialized fluorine-free ORMOCER® coatings from renewable and non-toxic compounds as a robust PFAS alternative. These inorganic-organic hybrid polymers deliver high hardness, abrasion resistance, thermal stability, and environmental durability comparable to or exceeding PFAS-based materials. Targeting over 25% environmental impact reduction, the technology is finding applications in food packaging and textiles, providing excellent water, oil, and grease resistance, addressing critical sustainability and performance needs across diverse industries.

In Depth

Key Findings

Fraunhofer ISC, a leading German research institution, has successfully commercialized fluorine-free ORMOCER® coatings, formulated from renewable raw materials and non-toxic compounds, in response to escalating global regulations against PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). This innovative inorganic-organic hybrid polymer delivers high hardness, exceptional abrasion and thermal resistance, and superior environmental durability, matching or surpassing the performance of conventional PFAS-based materials. Notably, the technology aims to reduce the environmental footprint of coated products by over 25% while maintaining robust water, oil, and grease repellency.

Technical / Clinical Details

ORMOCER® coatings achieve their unique performance profile by combining an inorganic backbone with organic characteristics, setting them apart from traditional polymers. This hybrid architecture results in surfaces that are extremely hard and highly resistant to mechanical abrasion. Their superior thermal stability ensures consistent performance even in high-temperature environments. Crucially, the technology achieves powerful hydrophobic and oleophobic properties, effectively repelling water and oil, without incorporating any fluorine compounds. Fraunhofer ISC researchers have fine-tuned specific formulations and process adjustments to meet stringent performance requirements across diverse industrial applications, including food packaging materials and textile cushioning.

Background & Context

PFAS, known as ‘forever chemicals’ due to their extreme persistence in the environment and potential accumulation in human bodies and ecosystems, have been widely used for their excellent water and oil-repellent properties. However, global efforts to restrict or ban PFAS are accelerating, compelling industries to rapidly develop and adopt alternative materials. There is particularly high demand for fluorine-free, high-performance solutions in safety-critical sectors such as food contact materials and medical devices. ORMOCER® technology aligns perfectly with these market needs, positioning itself as a key enabler for sustainable innovation.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

The commercialization of ORMOCER® coatings is poised to significantly impact the fluorine-free high-performance materials market, accelerating a paradigm shift in PFAS alternatives. Its application scope is vast, including balancing safety and functionality in food packaging and integrating durability with environmental considerations in textiles. Fraunhofer ISC plans to continue its pursuit of sustainability by further increasing the proportion of renewable raw materials and reducing energy consumption across the manufacturing process. The widespread adoption of this technology is expected to enable industries to comply with environmental regulations while delivering high-performance products, contributing to a safer and more sustainable global product landscape.

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