Most outdoor clothing brands continue to use PFAS chemicals, which pose environmental and health risks, according to a report by Ethical Consumer.
James Tapper reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Ethical Consumer found PFAS in 82% of products from 27 outdoor clothing brands.
- PFAS chemicals, linked to serious health issues, persist in the environment for centuries.
- While some brands like Páramo and Finisterre are PFAS-free, many lack a phase-out plan.
Key quote:
“The irreversible global contamination and extreme toxicity of ‘forever chemicals’ have been undisputed for years, but most outdoor clothing companies are still unnecessarily using them and adding to the PFAS pollution burden.”
— Jane Turner, writer and researcher at Ethical Consumer
Why this matters:
PFAS chemicals are pervasive, contaminating water, soil, and wildlife, and contributing to significant health risks. Despite growing awareness and some brands pledging to phase out PFAS, Ethical Consumer's report points to a troubling reality: the majority of the industry remains reliant on these harmful substances. This reliance is partly due to the difficulty in finding equally effective and affordable alternatives that provide the same level of durability and water resistance that consumers have come to expect.
