Páramo says UK government’s PFAS plan is weak
UK-based outdoor clothing brand Páramo has welcomed the publication of the UK government’s PFAS action plan but warns it does not go far enough to protect against “forever chemicals”.
Last week, the government launched a study into per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), describing them as “one of the most pressing chemical challenges of our time”.
In the outdoor sector, they have traditionally been used to make high-performing textiles water and oil repellent and used for hiking and mountaineering jackets, for example. A Greenpeace report in 2012 famously called out the sector for using these “forever chemicals”, whose use has been linked to health problems. Since then, brands and chemicals companies have been developing and testing alternatives, with many brands now having phased them out. However, some say it is still not possible to find replacements with the exact same standards.
Textiles is only a small part of the story. PFAS appear in non-stick frying pans, medical devices, clean energy technologies, construction and electronics manufacture.
The government’s plan involves researching and mapping their use, preventing PFAS from entering and circulating in the environment and reducing exposure. For textiles, the government will “look to include guidance on PFAS in all government procurement”.
Emma Hardy, Minister for Water and Flooding, said: “PFAS contamination threatens public health, wildlife and the quality of our natural environment. Acting now is essential to prevent irreversible harm and to ensure that our regulatory frameworks keep pace with scientific evidence.”
However, Paramo’s director of product, Tim Pickering, said: “While we welcome the government’s commitment to improved testing, better understanding of health and environmental impacts, and clearer public communication, the plan stops short of what is urgently needed: firm restrictions or a ban on PFAS.
“Instead, the plan offers guidance and defers decisions pending further research, at a time when the EU has already introduced tighter PFAS controls and is actively exploring a universal ban. Against this backdrop, the government’s approach looks particularly weak.”
