PFC-free / PFAS-free
Also known as: Fluorocarbon-free, C0 chemistry
Textiles and finishes free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Description
PFC/PFAS-free denotes textiles free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. PFAS are a class of about 10,000 compounds (PFOA, PFOS, GenX etc.) that are extremely persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT). In textiles they were used in DWR coatings, fluoropolymer membranes (ePTFE) and non-stick coatings.
Regulation: EU REACH restricts PFOA since 2020 (< 25 ppb), PFHxA since 2024 (< 25 ppb); a universal PFAS restriction proposal is at ECHA since Feb 2023. USA: Maine, California ban PFAS in textiles from 2025-2027. Detection: LC-MS/MS per CEN/TS 15968, LOD < 1 ppb.
Alternatives: C0 DWR based on silicone, wax, paraffin or dendrimer chemistry (Bionic-Finish® Eco, Rudolf RUCO-DRY® ECO, HeiQ Eco Dry). Drawback: shorter service life (typically 20-30 % fewer wash cycles than C8). ePE membranes replace ePTFE (GORE-TEX® ePE, Sympatex®). bluesign® and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 use PFAS-free as certification criterion.
Properties
| Test standard | CEN/TS 15968, EU REACH |
|---|---|
| Typical values | PFOA/PFHxA < 25 ppb |
| Application | Outdoor, PPE, kids' wear |
Related product categories
Sources & references
3- Wikipedia: PFAS Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Per-_and_polyfluoroalkyl_substances
- bluesign bluesign technologies ag https://www.bluesign.com/
- OEKO-TEX OEKO-TEX Association https://www.oeko-tex.com/
