PFAS/PFC ban at OEKO-TEX®

PFAS is non-degradable
PFAS are part of a group of non-degradable chemicals that can accumulate in the environment and in the human body. These substances have been the subject of discussion and criticism for years because they are health-hazardous and harmful to the environment. Due to the detrimental impact, various organisations and authorities around the world have taken measures to restrict or ban the use of PFAS. For example, ECHA (the European Union Chemicals Agency) has already published a proposal to restrict PFAS.

PFAS also play a role in the textile and leather industries. For example, they are used in the finishing of technically demanding textiles to improve their functional features, for example, to give them oil-repellent properties.

Why did OEKO-TEX® issue a ban?
Georg Dieners, Secretary General of OEKO-TEX®, stated the following about the decision to ban PFAS completely in textiles: ‘OEKO-TEX® has been following a variety of international and national guidelines as well as scientific findings since its foundation in 1992. These topics are frequently discussed in various committees and ultimately lead to continuous updating of our requirements. The harmful impact of PFAS has been researched in scientific studies. Initial international guidelines in the USA and Europe are currently dealing with a potential ban. Therefore, we have decided to develop the necessary analytical methods and initial threshold values to support a PFAS ban. We have included these methods and threshold values in our OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD and OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT product certifications.’

We test your textiles and leather for PFAS and PFC.

We will gladly support you on this topic. Please contact your local OETI office.