State PFAS Bans Cut Forever Chemicals in 80% of 115 Clothing Products
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 15
State PFAS Bans Cut Forever Chemicals in 80% of 115 Clothing Products
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 15
Summary
About 80% of 115 clothing and textile products tested in New York and California met state PFAS limits, indicating bans on intentionally added “forever chemicals” are sharply reducing their use.
The report examined brands previously known to use PFAS and found very low marker levels in items such as Columbia raincoats, Lululemon pants and Moab shoes, suggesting many companies switched before the laws took effect.
Roughly 70% of goods showed contamination levels consistent with unintentional residue, while about 10% fell into a gray area; some products still carried high PFAS levels despite the bans.
New York and California passed the laws in 2022 and began enforcement from Jan. 1, 2025, creating market pressure because companies have little incentive to make PFAS-free goods for only some states.
PFAS—used for waterproofing, stain resistance and other treatments—have been linked to cancer, birth defects and kidney disease, making the remaining violators a likely target for state enforcement.
With 80% compliance, can state-level PFAS bans in textiles truly protect public health if contamination persists in food, water, and air?
Despite major brands shifting away from PFAS, what hidden risks remain for consumers in products like diapers and outdoor furniture?
The 2025–2026 PFAS Ban Wave: Urgency, Industry Impact, and the Path to Safer Products
Overview
By mid-2026, the global approach to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is changing rapidly. New bans and strict regulations are taking effect in 2025 and 2026, shifting the market from consumer choice to mandatory compliance. Governments around the world are moving to restrict these 'forever chemicals' in products like textiles and apparel. While some leading brands, such as Keen, Patagonia, and REI Co-op, had already removed PFAS from their products, the entire industry is now required to follow. This marks a major transformation as new legislation comes into force, ending the era of consumer freedom to choose PFAS-containing gear.