Materials firm Badger Color Concentrates Inc. now is using PFAS‐free raw materials at both of its manufacturing sites.
Badger is based in Mukwonago, Wis., and makes color concentrates and liquid colorants there and at a plant in Kings Mountain, N.C. PFAS chemicals have been linked to human health issues and face increased scrutiny.
In a news release, officials said by eliminating PFAS‐containing raw materials from the firm's manufacturing processes, Badger "proactively minimizes environmental impact and prioritizes the health and well‐being of its employees, customers and communities."
"Our decision to go PFAS‐free in raw material sourcing underscores our dedication to sustainability and product safety," production and technology director John Grabski said.
He added that Badger "has worked closely with our suppliers to ensure that all raw materials used in our masterbatch [concentrates] and liquid formulations are free from PFAS compounds."
Badger general manager Thomas Bernhardt said "this strategic shift ... underscores our unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship and exemplifies our proactive approach to mitigating the impacts of our manufacturing processes."
Badger opened in 1998 and was acquired by Kafrit Group in March 2024. Badger has annual sales of more than $40 million and employs more than 190.
The Badger deal was the second of 2024 for Negev, Israel-based Kafrit. In January, the firm acquired ABSA Resin Technologies Inc., a compounder and recycler based in Cambridge, Ontario. Kafrit makes a wide range of compounds and color and additive concentrates and has annual sales of more than $300 million.