4 minute read
Merck’s innovation in the chemical industry amid PFAS challenges
Nattha Poolsanguan
The chemical industry has long been a cornerstone of progress. From powering cutting-edge electronics to enabling breakthroughs in healthcare, chemistry shapes nearly every aspect of modern life. It drives innovation, improves quality of life, and fuels economic growth. Yet, every advancement comes with responsibility, and today, one of the most pressing challenges demanding leadership is PFAS – per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – the so-called “forever chemicals”.
PARTNERING WITH THAILAND TO LEAD THE WORLD IN SAFE, SUSTAINABLE, AND INNOVATIVE CHEMISTRY
PFAS are prized for their durability, heat resistance, and water- and oil-repellent properties. They are present in a wide range of products, from non-stick cookware and water-repellent textiles to firefighting foams and industrial materials. But these same qualities that make PFAS valuable also create global concern. They resist natural degradation, accumulating over time in water, soil, and even human bodies. In Thailand, and across the globe, regulators are tightening controls, communities are demanding cleaner environments, and industries are under increasing scrutiny to ensure safety and sustainability. For Thailand’s chemical sector, tackling PFAS is more than regulatory compliance – it’s a defining moment to demonstrate national leadership and commitment to a sustainable future.
At Merck, we view PFAS not merely as a challenge, but as an opportunity to lead in science, sustainability, and innovation. With decades of experience supporting laboratories, regulatory agencies, and manufacturers worldwide, we understand that strategic decisions rely on trustworthy data. Establishing robust systems and effective approaches is critical to enable Thai companies, researchers, and regulators to act confidently; meeting expectations from consumers, investors, and communities alike.
Analysing PFAS is inherently complex. Samples can range from water and soil to food and biological matrices, each with potential contamination risks. Managing these complexities successfully requires a comprehensive, end-to-end approach:
1) Sample collection: Ensure samples reach the lab without contamination that could compromise data quality. Use containers and preservatives that won’t introduce PFAS or interferences. Supported products include labware, thermal desorption tubes, and Milli-Q water purification systems.
2) Sample preparation: Remove matrix interferences and protect your instrumentation, without contaminating samples. Solutions include Supelclean ENVI-WAX SPE cartridges, Solid Phase Micro-Extraction (SPME), and Millex syringe filters.
3) Standardisation and calibration: Reference materials are central to laboratory quality assurance. Our analytical standards and Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) help ensure recoveries fall within acceptable ranges.
4) Analysis: Choose columns, solvents, and consumables that deliver optimal peak separation while minimising background PFAS. We offer Ascentis Express PFAS HPLC columns, (U)HPLC–MS solvents, and analytical vials.
This end-to-end approach empowers Thailand’s chemical industry to act decisively, responsibly, and sustainably. Behind the workflow are Merck products built on three pillars: Quality, Compliance, and Innovation.
For Thailand, PFAS analysis represents a broader commitment to sustainability, safety, and trust. Consumers expect safer products, communities demand cleaner environments, and regulators enforce ever-stricter standards. By partnering with Merck, Thailand gains more than instruments and consumables – it gains a strategic ally dedicated to advancing the country’s chemical leadership. Our PFAS innovations align with the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy model, supporting Thailand’s transition to greener, more responsible industrial growth.
For leaders in the Thai chemical industry, addressing PFAS proactively is both a responsibility and a strategic advantage. Those who embrace rigorous analysis, mitigation, and sustainability practices will not only comply with regulations, they’ll also position themselves as pioneers, earning the trust of customers, investors, and communities alike.
PFAS challenges are a test of vision, capability, and leadership. With the right tools, the right mindset, and the right partners, Thailand’s chemical sector can transform today’s obstacles into tomorrow’s breakthroughs. At Merck, we stand ready to support this journey, enabling Thailand to lead the world in safe, sustainable, and innovative chemistry.
Nattha Poolsanguan
Marketing and Solution Scientist Manager
Merck Ltd.
Contact details:
Tutchawan Timtam, Ph.D.
(tutchawan.timtam@merckgroup.com)
Wattanapong Sittisaree, Ph.D
(wattanapong.sittisaree@merckgroup.com)
Merck Ltd.
+66 2 667 8333
