CALIFORNIA – California’s state assembly has this week passed new legislation that would prohibit the manufacture and sale of garments and textiles that contain PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) by 2025.
PFAS, also known as ‘forever’ chemicals due to their durability in the environment, are used to impart oil, stain and water repellence, as well as fire retardancy to textiles and clothing, but have also been linked with major health and environmental risks.
Although certain exemptions will remain for PPE and other critical end uses, the decision will have major environmental and commercial implications for some textile suppliers given that if California were a sovereign nation, it would rank as the world's fifth largest economy, according to the World Bank.