Adidas and C&A support PFAS phase-out project
Netherlands-based sustainability hub Fashion for Good is seeking to address the problems associated though PFAS phase-out through a new initiative that links Adidas and C&A with manufacturing partners Shahi Exports, Paradise Textiles, Positive Materials and Wujiang Fuhua Fabric Co.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have traditionally been used to provide durable water- and oil-repellency (DWR) but are characterised by their high persistence. As a result, PFAS can remain in the environment for extended periods, bioaccumulate in humans and ecosystems, and have been associated with adverse health effects when exposure exceeds established thresholds.
Project DW(O)R-X will benchmark nine PFAS alternative solutions across three dimensions: performance, environmental impact and cost.
The partners will incorporate multi-condition testing and stains relevant to sportswear and outerwear, including soil, sunscreen and sweat.
Katrin Ley, managing director at Fashion for Good, said: “The challenge for the whole industry isn’t just phasing out PFAS, it’s ensuring we don’t replace it with something equally concerning that we understand less well. Right now, brands and mills are navigating this transition without updated benchmarks to compare these alternatives.”
The technology providers on the project are Archroma, Daikin Chemicals Europe, Dow, Dryfiber, Jintex, Lamoral Coatings, Pulcra Chemicals, Rudolf and Vandeyk.tech. Performance testing will be conducted by SGS.
