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Textile and Clothing Brands Face Pressure to Innovate as Legislation Builds Against the Use of PFASs, or "Forever Chemicals"

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    Report

  • 52 Pages
  • September 2023
  • Region: Global
  • Textiles Intelligence Ltd.
  • ID: 5892493

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.

Who should buy this report?

  • Manufacturers of fibres, textiles, clothing and chemicals
  • Textile and clothing machinery manufacturers - spinning, weaving, knitting, sewing and import/export
  • Textile and clothing brands and retailers like Adidas, H&M etc.
  • Educational institutions like universities, fashion schools etc.
  • Business consultancy firms 
  • Textile and clothing trade associations
  • Government trade bodies

Table of Contents


1. Summary
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. Responses of Brands to the Regulation of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs)
7. 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

Companies Mentioned

  • Archroma
  • Bolger & O’Hearn
  • dimpora
  • Gore-Tex (W L Gore & Associates)
  • Nanotex
  • Schoeller Textil