What are PFAS?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of over 10,000 man-made chemicals that impart water-, grease- and dirt-repellent properties and are thermally and chemically stable. Because of these properties, they are used in the manufacture of numerous consumer goods. PFAS are frequently added to textiles (such as outdoor jackets, workwear or protective clothing) to make them water- and oil-repellent, or are used for non-stick coatings on cookware such as frying pans or baking tins.
What makes PFAS (so) dangerous?
PFAS do not occur naturally and accumulate in the environment and in the human body; they are highly persistent and harmful to health (e.g. toxic to the liver, carcinogenic). Due to their persistence, they are often referred to as ‘forever chemicals’.
Planet
PFAS can harm the environment during the manufacture, use, maintenance and disposal of products, and are now detectable even in the most remote regions of the world. They degrade very slowly in groundwater and soil and can also accumulate in living organisms.
People
Studies have shown widespread contamination of blood and breast milk in the global population. PFAS enter the body through the food chain and have been linked to effects on the thyroid and endocrine system, as well as liver damage and cancer.
PFAS in textiles, clothing, leather goods and footwear
Awareness among industry and consumers of the risks posed by PFAS to humans and the environment is growing rapidly. At the same time, new and stricter requirements regarding the exclusion and strict regulation of PFAS substances are increasingly being introduced in Europe, the USA and other countries. The most recent example is the ban in France, which came into force at the start of 2026, on the manufacture, sale or import of certain consumer goods containing PFAS, such as clothing and footwear.
The wide range of challenges facing stakeholders along the value chain include:
- Keeping pace with rapidly changing national, state and international regulations
- Identifying risks where PFAS are used within complex supply chains in order to minimise them
- Identifying and eliminating sources of contamination in the production process
- Communicating responsibility regarding PFAS to customers, suppliers and consumers in a transparent and credible manner
- Balancing budget and risks
- Securing your own market success and protecting your brand reputation
Conclusion:
A proactive corporate strategy regarding PFAS in your supply chain is essential today for regulatory compliance and the long-term protection of your brand.
What PFAS tests do we offer?
When selecting a testing method, the legal requirements of the relevant market must be taken into account (target analysis vs. total fluorine content). Nevertheless, companies bear the responsibility for ensuring that their products comply with legal requirements and do not pose a risk to people or the environment – a major challenge given the wide variety of PFAS regulations and complex supply chains.
Our service for you:
- We monitor legal and technical developments to test your products for PFAS efficiently.
- Our accredited testing methods are based on internationally recognised standards and provide you with reliable test results.
- We offer personalised advice and testing plans tailored to your specific needs.
- You will receive clear and understandable information to help you understand legal requirements and sources of PFAS, enabling you to make informed decisions.
Our PFAS testing methods
- Total Fluorine (TF)
✔ Determination of total fluorine content (organic and inorganic) as a summary parameter
✔ Enables rapid preliminary screening for intentionally used PFAS
✔ Ideally performed in an early phase of product development (material selection, design)
✔ Useful for identifying potential sources of fluorine without indicating whether PFAS are actually present in the sample - Target Analysis
✔ Enables the precise determination of the quantities of specific, known PFAS present in samples
✔ Ideally suited for verifying compliance with legal limits or RSL requirements for specific PFAS
✔ Provides legally binding statements regarding PFAS concentrations in products
✔ Helps trace sources of contamination, verify supplier information, and implement corrective measures
Your benefits at a glance
- Compliance:
✔ Your products comply with various legal requirements
✔ You avoid fines and legal consequences - Risk minimisation:
✔ You identify and understand potential issues early on
✔ You avoid unwanted costs from claims for damages or product recalls - Competitive advantage:
✔ You credibly document your responsibility through independent tests and evidence
✔ You are prepared for future regulatory changes and stakeholder expectations regarding sustainability
✔ You successfully differentiate yourself from other market players - Trust:
✔ As a company, you actively contribute to environmental protection and health
✔ You protect and strengthen trust in your brand, your products, and your company
