Forever Chemicals Ban Could Drive Investment Out of Ireland, Warn Kildare-Based Companies

Thursday, 16 January 2025 09:44

By Martin Osborne

Forever chemicals are man-made chemicals added to plastics, such as cookware and clothing.

Both Pfizer and Intel, who employ thousands of people in Kildare, have threatened to leave Ireland if a ban on forever chemicals is introduced.

Pfizer, which has a manufacturing plant in Newbridge, said the ban would severely threaten "the viability" of the sector.

Intel, which has its Irish base in Leixlip, employs over 5000 people.

According to the Irish Independent, the company believes investment would more likely flow to outside the EU, where no such ban is applicable, such as to the USA or Singapore.

Forever chemicals are man-made chemicals added to plastics, such as cookware and clothing.

They don't break down naturally and have raised concerns over their implications on health and the environment.

Recommendations by the European Chemicals Agency on whether or not to ban the chemicals or introduce limitations on their use is expected to be voted on before the end of the year.

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