#Sustainability

2025-04-30

What are the impacts of PFAS polymers on our health and the environment?

The widespread use of PFAS polymers in everything from consumer products to green technologies can lead to contamination of water, air, soil, food and people. A European Environment Agency (EEA) assessment, published today, says that these chemicals can also contribute to global warming and ozone depletion.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been in the spotlight for more than a decade due to their potential impacts on human health and the environment. This is especially true for certain compounds such as PFOS and PFOA, while the impacts associated with the chemical form of PFAS known as ‘PFAS polymers’, which in simple terms consist of larger molecules, have been considered to be lower.

However, evidence now also suggests that PFAS polymers can lead to various types of impacts during their lifecycles according to the EEA briefing ‘PFAS polymers in focus: supporting Europe’s zero pollution, low-carbon and circular economy ambitions’. The analysis provides the latest knowledge about the potential impacts on health, the environment and climate and provides background context to EU proposals to clarify the use of PFAS in Europe.

PFAS polymers currently make up a significant part, 24-40%, of the total volume of PFAS placed on the EU market, and they are widely used in a broad range of products and technologies. The EEA briefing stresses that it is essential to adopt a full life-cycle perspective on PFAS polymers when evaluating their impacts and deciding on their future use.

Identified concerns

It is generally understood that PFAS polymers are less toxic than non-polymeric PFAS. This is due to polymers having a larger molecular size, which limits their uptake into living cells (and therefore limits their potential toxicity). However, concerns have been raised in relation to a number of potential impacts during the lifecycle of PFAS polymers, the EEA briefing says. These concerns include:

Toxic effects to workers, the environment and communities surrounding factories can occur from chemicals used in the production of PFAS polymers and the different by-products generated during their production. Furthermore, there are environmental and human health concerns prompted by the degradation over time of certain PFAS polymers into smaller, persistent compounds, that may have a higher toxicity than their parent compounds.

Release of potent greenhouse gasses (e.g. trifluoromethane – HFC-23) and substances that can degrade the ozone layer (e.g. dichlorofluoromethane – HCFC-22) can occur during the production of PFAS polymers.

The widespread presence of PFAS polymers in products and materials can potentially act as a future barrier for recycling, since it is difficult to trace and separate these materials at the waste stage.

EU action

A recently proposed universal PFAS restriction under the EU’s REACH regulation, brought forward by Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, aims to ban all PFAS (including PFAS polymers) except for certain uses which have time-limited derogations. In a recent communication from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and the dossier submitters, it was stated that restriction options, other than a ban, were also being considered for some uses.

More info:

PFAS polymers in focus: supporting Europe’s zero pollution, low-carbon and circular economy ambitions

Briefing - Published 29 Apr 2025

https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/publications/pfas-polymers-in-focus

PFAS in textiles in Europe’s circular economy

BriefingPublished 17 Sep 2024

https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/publications/pfas-in-textiles-in-europes-circular-economy

State of Europe’s environment not good: threats to nature and impacts of climate change top challenges

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Consumption of clothing, footwear, other textiles in the EU reaches new record high

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VAUDE eliminates PFAS from all products

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OEKO-TEX® chooses TextileGenesis to advance digital traceability for organic cotton

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ICAC to support European Commission on pending PEF legislation

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Circulose restarts commercial-scale production at Ortviken plant in Sundsvall

Circulose today announced the restart of its commercial-scale production plant at Ortviken in Sundsvall, Sweden, marking a significant step in scaling next-generation materials for the global fashion industry. The company plans to resume production of CIRCULOSE®, a recycled pulp made entirely from discarded cotton textiles, in the fourth quarter of 2026.

VIATT 2026 to debut German Pavilion, strengthening European participation alongside key Asian textile hubs

Vietnam’s textile and garment sector continues to be a major contributor to the country’s economic growth, with export revenues expected to reach USD 46 billion in 2025, a 5.6% increase from 2024 . From 26 – 28 February, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is set to contribute to economic growth opportunities by accelerating digital transformation and green transition across the entire textile value chain. The upcoming edition will respond to the rising demand for advanced technologies and sustainable materials with the introduction of the German Pavilion, alongside strong exhibitor participation from key Asian sectors, as well as several high-profile fringe events.

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.