PFAS in textile contaminates Europe’s circular economy

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals used in textiles for their water, oil, and dirt-repellent properties. However, their persistence in the environment and potential health impacts have raised concerns.

PFAS are used in both polymeric and non-polymeric forms in textiles. They provide durability, thermal stability, and resistance to stains, water, and oil.

However, these chemicals are persistent, bioaccumulative, and potentially harmful to human health and the environment. Their presence in textiles can hinder recycling and reuse, posing a barrier to achieving a circular economy.

The EU Strategy on Circular and Sustainable Textiles aims to make textiles more sustainable but currently lacks specific focus on PFAS. Efforts are being made to regulate and reduce the use of PFAS in textiles to protect ecosystems and human health.

Removing PFAS from textiles is crucial for a circular economy and environmental protection. Innovative solutions and adherence to regulatory frameworks are needed to transition the textile industry towards sustainable practices.

Several alternatives to PFAS in textiles offer similar water, oil, and stain-repellent properties without environmental and health concerns. For example, polysiloxanes, commonly known as silicones, are polymers that effectively repel liquids. They are used as water repellent agents in various commercial products. Nano-sized amorphous silica can form nano air pockets within textile fibers, providing water repellency.

Dendrimers are another alternative to PFAS. These are nano-scaled artificial macromolecules with water-repellent, anti-microbial, and self-cleaning properties. Silanes are one more example of alternatives to PFAS. They are used to treat fabrics for water resistance. They can be applied to textiles to enhance their hydrophobic properties.

These and some other alternatives are being explored and implemented to reduce the reliance on PFAS in textiles, promoting a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach.

Addressing the challenges posed by PFAS in textiles is essential for the EU’s circular economy goals. By adopting sustainable practices and regulatory measures, the textile industry can reduce the environmental and health impacts of PFAS.

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