New Regulations on PFAS:
- The fashion industry is adapting to regulations targeting PFAS, chemicals used for water and stain resistance in clothing.

What are PFAS?:
- PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are durable chemicals linked to health issues, including cancer and reproductive problems. They are known as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment and human body.

Legislative Actions:
- The U.S. EPA is intensifying research on PFAS to understand the health risks better.
- States like California and Maine are at the forefront, implementing reporting requirements and bans on PFAS in products.

California’s Ban:
- From 2025, California will prohibit textiles with PFAS levels above 100 parts per million, urging brands to seek safer alternatives.

Industry Impact:
- Outdoor and performance wear brands, which rely heavily on PFAS for product features, are most affected.
- Brands such as Salomon and Keen have transitioned to PFAS-free products, demonstrating industry leadership.
- Keen’s detailed journey to eliminate PFAS, shared in its "The Road to PFAS Free" report, illuminates the challenges and pathways to becoming PFAS-free.

Retailer Actions:
- REI, a major outdoor retailer, will start banning products containing PFAS this fall, signaling a market shift towards safer consumer products.

Looking Ahead:
- Legislation and growing consumer awareness are driving significant changes in the fashion industry, leading to more transparency and a shift towards safer, sustainable practices.

Source: Glossy