On 4th May 2025the European Environment Agency (EEA - explanation of their role is below) published a briefing note focusing on PFAS polymers and supporting Europe’s zero pollution, low-carbon and circular economy ambitions.

‍Report available here

Please find below the key takeways from the paper for our sector:

• PFAS can be divided into polymeric and non-polymeric forms. PFAS polymers make up a significant part, 24-40%, of the total volume of PFAS on the EU market.
• PFAS polymers are widely used in consumer products, industrial production and increasingly in green technologies.
• PFAS polymers may have severe and irreversible impacts along their life cycles. These include toxic effects as well as impacts on climate change and ozone depletion. They may also hinder the recyclability of products. However, many of these impacts are still not well understood.
• A proposed restriction under REACH may significantly reduce PFAS use within the EU. This includes PFAS polymers.
• It is essential to adopt a full life-cycle perspective on PFAS polymers when evaluating their impacts and deciding on their future use.

PFAS in Clothing, Textiles, Outdoor, and Sportswear

• Extensive Use in Textiles: PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are widely used in textiles to impart properties like water, oil, and stain repellence, as well as thermal stability and durability. This includes applications in clothing, outdoor gear, and sportswear.​
• Environmental and Health Concerns: PFAS are known for their persistence in the environment and potential adverse health effects. Their use in textiles contributes to environmental pollution and poses challenges for human health due to potential exposure.​
• Barriers to Circular Economy: The presence of PFAS in textiles hinders recycling and reuse efforts. Contaminated textiles are difficult to process safely, leading to increased waste and environmental contamination.​
• Availability of Alternatives: For many textile applications, especially in consumer clothing and sportswear, alternatives to PFAS exist. However, for certain technical textiles, such as protective gear for firefighters, suitable alternatives may not yet be available.​

Policy Recommendations

• Universal Restriction Proposal: A proposal under the EU's REACH regulation aims to restrict all PFAS, including polymers, with certain time-limited exemptions. This would significantly reduce PFAS use in textiles.​
• National Initiatives: Countries like France and Denmark are considering national bans on PFAS in textiles, with specific exemptions for essential uses.​
• Enhanced Waste Management: Implementing separate collection and destruction procedures for PFAS-containing textile waste, especially for technical textiles, is recommended to prevent environmental contamination.​
• Improved Transparency and Monitoring: Enhancing traceability of PFAS in textiles, particularly in imported goods, is crucial. Current regulations do not adequately cover imported articles, leading to gaps in information.​
• Promotion of Safe Alternatives: Encouraging the development and adoption of safe and sustainable alternatives to PFAS in textiles is essential for reducing environmental and health risks.​

‍

‍

What is the European Environmental Agency:

The European Environment Agency (EEA) provides independent data and analysis to support EU environmental policy. It helps shape legislation and guides national actions through evidence-based insights.

EEA briefings, like the one on PFAS, are influential tools that spotlight regulatory trends and support informed decision-making. For our sector, they help anticipate policy shifts, identify risks, and align with evolving EU sustainability goals.