California state passes bill to end PFAS use in new fabrics, textiles

01 Sep '22

2 min read

Pic: Shutterstock

The California state assembly in the United States recently passed a bill to end the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or ‘forever chemicals’, in new fabrics and textiles. The bill prohibits manufacture, distribution or sale of any new textile articles having regulated PFAS and requires a manufacturer to use the least toxic alternative when removing regulated PFAS in textile articles.

The bill was authored by Democrat assembly representative from San Francisco Phil Ting. If signed into law, it would be implemented from January 1, 2025.

The Safer Clothes and Textiles Act would also require manufacturers to provide those that offer the product for sale or distribution in the state with a certificate of compliance stating that the textile article is in compliance with these provisions and does not contain any regulated PFAS.

Exemptions to the bill include many textiles and fabrics used for safety reasons where PFAS fire retardant qualities and other benefits would prove to be invaluable, including vehicle component parts, personal protective equipment, military clothing, industrial filters and lab clothing.

Several businesses and companies are, however, opposing the bill, saying the tight regulations will wreak havoc to inter-state commerce. Regulatory differences among states, weaker products without PFAS, heavy economic impact and confusing regulations are the other issues being cited.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

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