Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of at least 10,000 substances used in the manufacture of many consumer products. PFAS are often added to textiles (such as outdoor jackets, work or protective clothing) for water and oil repellent finishing.
PFAS can affect the environment during production, use, care and disposal of products. These highly stable “forever chemicals” do not degrade in groundwater and soils. Instead, PFAS can accumulate in living organisms and be ingested by humans through the food chain.
Studies have shown widespread contamination of the blood and breast milk in the global population. PFAS have been linked to effects on the thyroid, hormonal system, liver damage and cancer, among others.
The PFAS substance group has become the focus of NGOs and legislators. In Europe, the first compounds of this group, PFOS and PFOA, were restricted several years ago. Further individual compounds have been included with more to follow. In the U.S., many bills for state regulations on consumer products have been introduced. On Jan. 1, 2023, the first laws went into effect.
In contrast to the targeted restriction of individual substances as defined in the EU, the entire group of organically bound fluorine (total organic fluorine (TOF)) has been regulated in the U.S. Some state laws target specific chemicals, products or categories, while others cover all products. Compliance requires different testing approaches and creates confusion.
In general, there are 4 types of PFAS regulations/requirements being enacted or proposed:
Substitutes for PFAS performance parameters
Inventory management and disposal
- Product end-of-life phase out
Legacy contamination at manufacturing facilities
Ongoing supply chain management and product testing
With no standardized set of analytics, testing depends on the market (e.g., target analysis vs. extractable organic fluorine (EOF) vs. total organic fluorine (TOF)). Choosing the right testing approach and performance analysis must always be in line with the latest scientific knowledge. The wrong approach could cause damage to people, planet, reputations and budgets.
You're not alone. Our experts are dedicated to this issue. In the face of growing regulations and complex analysis, we bring technical expertise and analytical know-how. Our smart testing plans ask the right questions. They assess risks specific to the supply chain and product type. They also consider functionality and performance claims.
For sourcing or marketing, an independent OEKO-TEX® certification shows safety from PFAS. OEKO-TEX® bans the use of perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS/PFC) in textiles, leather and footwear for STANDARD 100, LEATHER STANDARD, ORGANIC COTTON and ECO PASSPORT certifications.