PFAS in textiles in Europe's circular economy

Synthetic chemicals classed as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used for decades in clothing and other textiles to repel water, oil and dirt, and provide thermal stability and durability. The use of PFAS is concerning because of their persistence, and the negative impacts of many PFAS in the environment and on human health. The presence of PFAS in textiles can be a barrier to their longer use, reuse and recyclability, negatively influencing the sector's shift to a more circular economy.