{"id":572,"date":"2026-02-13T10:01:49","date_gmt":"2026-02-13T10:01:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/udviklingserver03.dk\/dti-pfas-partner\/?p=572"},"modified":"2026-02-25T08:07:53","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T08:07:53","slug":"pfas-free-with-better-performance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/udviklingserver03.dk\/dti-pfas-partner\/pfas-free-with-better-performance\/","title":{"rendered":"PFAS-free with better performance"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row padding_top_multiplier=”2x” padding_bottom_multiplier=”2x”][vc_column width=”1\/6″ tablet_sm_width=”1-12″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″ tablet_width=”2-3″ tablet_sm_width=”3-4″][vc_row_inner columns_gap=”60″][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]When CeramicSpeed phased out PFAS from its ball bearings, sustainability did not come at the expense of performance. On the contrary, the transition led to lower friction, new markets and a stronger competitive position.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PFAS-free ball bearings strengthen CeramicSpeed\u2019s market position<\/strong><\/p>\n

A groundbreaking new material with lower friction than Teflon has not only enabled CeramicSpeed to eliminate PFAS from its ball bearings \u2013 it has also opened the door to new markets and created a unique competitive position.<\/p>\n

From the food industry to high-end bicycles<\/strong><\/p>\n

For years, CeramicSpeed has supplied high-performance ball bearings for cycling, motorsports and industrial applications. The company\u2019s bearings are renowned for their ability to operate at speeds of up to 40,000 revolutions per minute, combining extremely low friction with long service life.<\/p>\n

One of the company\u2019s specialised product lines is its SLT (Solid Lubricant Technology) bearings. Unlike traditional bearings, SLT bearings integrate the lubricant directly into the bearing structure. Instead of oil or grease that must be reapplied, the bearings contain a plastic matrix with microscopic pores that absorb oil when heated. During operation, the oil is gradually released, providing maintenance-free lubrication.<\/p>\n

However, achieving the right balance is critical.
\n\u201cIf the oil is released too quickly, excess oil accumulates outside the bearing and service life is reduced. If it is retained too tightly, there is insufficient lubrication,\u201d explains Lina S\u00f8bjerg Madsen, IPR specialist and chemist at CeramicSpeed.<\/p>\n

Proactive phase-out of PFAS<\/strong><\/p>\n

Although there was no regulatory requirement at the time, CeramicSpeed made an early strategic decision to phase out PFAS \u2013 including Teflon (PTFE) \u2013 from its products. The ambition was to combine sustainability with technological innovation.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are very committed to using chemicals that are as environmentally responsible and non-harmful as possible,\u201d says Lina S\u00f8bjerg Madsen. \u201cEven without legislative pressure, we saw an opportunity to stay ahead of future regulation.\u201d<\/p>\n

The challenge, however, was substantial: how could a material with friction properties comparable to Teflon be replaced without compromising performance?<\/p>\n

Systematic collaboration leads to breakthrough<\/strong><\/p>\n

After several unsuccessful attempts to identify a suitable alternative, CeramicSpeed initiated an MUDP-supported collaboration with Danish Technological Institute. The partnership combined CeramicSpeed\u2019s deep product knowledge with the institute\u2019s expertise in materials technology.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had explored alternatives on our own, but realised we needed a more systematic approach,\u201d says Lina S\u00f8bjerg Madsen. \u201cTogether with Danish Technological Institute, we were able to define precise performance requirements, while they contributed in-depth materials expertise.\u201d<\/p>\n

The development followed a structured and methodical process. First, a joint requirements specification was established. Danish Technological Institute then identified 18 potential materials, eight of which were selected for testing. Ultimately, the most promising candidate was implemented in production.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis process reflects how we typically develop new alternatives,\u201d says Peter N\u00f8rby from Danish Technological Institute. \u201cWhen working with PFAS substitution, it is essential to clarify what the company actually needs \u2013 in other words, which material properties are critical for the product\u2019s functionality.\u201d<\/p>\n

Less friction \u2013 greater potential<\/strong><\/p>\n

The real breakthrough came when the new PFAS-free material not only matched the performance of Teflon, but significantly surpassed it.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe achieved up to 30% lower friction compared to PTFE,\u201d says Lina S\u00f8bjerg Madsen. \u201cThat was completely unexpected when we started the project.\u201d<\/p>\n

This result fundamentally changed the potential applications of the technology. SLT bearings, previously used primarily in the food industry, could now also meet the demanding requirements of high-end bicycles \u2013 where minimal friction and low maintenance are decisive factors.<\/p>\n

Unique technology creates competitive advantage<\/strong><\/p>\n

With the new material, CeramicSpeed has developed a proprietary technology that has significantly strengthened its market position. The bearings are now used in high-performance bicycle components for premium bicycles priced above 100,000 Danish kroner.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are currently the only company able to manufacture these bearings for bicycles,\u201d says Lina S\u00f8bjerg Madsen. \u201cManufacturers who have tested them have returned with very positive feedback and a clear interest in implementing them in their products.\u201d<\/p>\n

The new bearings offer both extended service life and significantly reduced maintenance. As a result, CeramicSpeed now offers a lifetime warranty on selected products. The green transition has therefore delivered not only environmental benefits, but also direct business value.<\/p>\n

Key learnings: innovation takes time \u2013 and collaboration<\/strong><\/p>\n

The project generated several important insights for CeramicSpeed. First, long-held assumptions were challenged.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe discovered that our understanding of how friction reduction worked in the bearings was not entirely correct, which opened up new material options,\u201d says Lina S\u00f8bjerg Madsen.<\/p>\n

The project also highlighted that PFAS substitution does not have a universal solution. Each application requires its own technology assessment and material study.<\/p>\n

Finally, product development proved more time-consuming than anticipated.
\n\u201cReplacing PFAS is one thing. Understanding how a new raw material affects the entire product is another,\u201d she explains. \u201cWe ended up redesigning the entire manufacturing process, and it took four years to reach our goal.\u201d<\/p>\n

Throughout the journey, collaboration with Danish Technological Institute was essential.
\n\u201cThe partnership gave us access to specialised knowledge and a systematic approach that we simply could not have achieved on our own.\u201d<\/p>\n

A sustainable and strong future<\/strong><\/p>\n

Following the successful phase-out of PFAS in its SLT bearings, CeramicSpeed is now looking ahead to new opportunities. Several bicycle manufacturers have already tested and approved the new bearings for upcoming models.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have created a product that is not only more sustainable, but also performs better than its predecessor,\u201d concludes Lina S\u00f8bjerg Madsen. \u201cThis clearly demonstrates that sustainable innovation can be a direct driver of business development and new market opportunities.\u201d[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″ tablet_width=”1-6″ tablet_sm_width=”1-12″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/section>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[vc_row padding_top_multiplier=”2x” padding_bottom_multiplier=”2x”][vc_column width=”1\/6″ tablet_sm_width=”1-12″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″ tablet_width=”2-3″ tablet_sm_width=”3-4″][vc_row_inner columns_gap=”60″][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]When CeramicSpeed phased out PFAS from its ball bearings, sustainability did not come at the expense of performance. On the contrary, the transition led to lower friction, new markets and a stronger competitive position.   PFAS-free ball bearings strengthen CeramicSpeed\u2019s market position A groundbreaking new material with […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":675,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-572","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-case","grve-entry-item","grve-blog-item"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/udviklingserver03.dk\/dti-pfas-partner\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/572","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/udviklingserver03.dk\/dti-pfas-partner\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/udviklingserver03.dk\/dti-pfas-partner\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/udviklingserver03.dk\/dti-pfas-partner\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/udviklingserver03.dk\/dti-pfas-partner\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=572"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/udviklingserver03.dk\/dti-pfas-partner\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/572\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":679,"href":"https:\/\/udviklingserver03.dk\/dti-pfas-partner\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/572\/revisions\/679"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/udviklingserver03.dk\/dti-pfas-partner\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/675"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/udviklingserver03.dk\/dti-pfas-partner\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=572"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/udviklingserver03.dk\/dti-pfas-partner\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=572"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/udviklingserver03.dk\/dti-pfas-partner\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=572"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}