Textile And Clothing Brands Face Pressure To Innovate As Legislation Builds Against The Use Of Pfass, Forever Chemicals
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), also known as "forever chemicals", are a family of synthetic fluorinated compounds which are prized for their unique characteristics. In textiles and clothing, they are most commonly used in the manufacture of durable water repellent (DWR) finishes, treatments and membranes for a broad range of applications, including accessories, automotive interiors, footwear, home textiles, performance apparel, performance equipment and technical textiles. However, PFASs are drawing attention because of the damaging impact they have on the environment and human health. In particular, they persist in the environment and have been shown to be bioaccumulative, highly mobile and toxic. As scientific evidence demonstrating the adverse effects of PFASs on the environment and human health increases, lawmakers worldwide are strengthening existing regulations or proposing new regulations in order to eliminate PFASs. For performance apparel brands, a major challenge lies in understanding the impact of forthcoming regulations. A larger challenge lies in the development of alternative substances which comply with current and forthcoming regulations while offering the same levels of performance as PFASs.
SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
Applications for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs)
Leading producers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and fluoropolymers
The leading five players
Markets for fluorinated compounds and fluorochemicals
ROLE OF PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES (PFASs) IN TEXTILES AND CLOTHING
Role of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in developing the performance apparel and equipment market
WHY PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES (PFASs) ARE A CAUSE FOR CONCERN
Channels for the release of PFASs into the environment
Studies observing the effects of PFASs
Alternatives to PFASs which have been identified as harmful
REGULATION OF PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES(PFASs)
Regulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) by country and region
Canada
China
EU
UK
USA
US state-wide legislation
California, USA
Maine, USA
Michigan, USA
New York, USA
Washington, USA
Other US states
RESPONSES OF BRANDS TO THE REGULATION OF PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES (PFASs)
INNOVATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT OF ALTERNATIVES TO PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES (PFASs)
Alternative chemistries to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs)
Alternative durable water repellent (DWR) finishes and treatments
3XDRY Bio: Schoeller Textil
Altopel F3: Bolger & O’Hearn
ecorepel: Schoeller Textil
Nanotex Aquapel: Nanotex
Shell-Tech: Bolger & O’Hearn
Smartrepel Hydro: Archroma
Alternative durable water repellent (DWR) membranes
dimpora eco pur membrane: dimpora
Gore-Tex ePE: W L Gore & Associates
sane membrane: dimpora
Other alternative materials
List of tables
Table 1: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs): the world’s leading 12 producers, 2022
Table 2: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs): examples of textile and clothing applications, 2023