The rating does not mean that the products will break down if released into the environment. Work is underway in ASTM committees to develop standards that may resolve these deficiencies. Until the deficiencies are resolved, however, many potential manufacturers are delaying developmental work. Manufacturers of EFLs do exist. The products do exist.
Users do exist.
The market is not dead. The highest volume of EFL products is in hydraulic fluids. EFLs would be ideal if they had physical properties identical to the currently used mineral-based products, but such is not the case. Costs are higher, and compatibility with existing mineral-based products, moisture, and seal materials must be considered. No industry standards exist, so engineers desiring to use an EFL must consider each specific application and each specific product individually.