Euratex urges ECHA to study impact of PFAS in technical textiles

Euratex, the organization representing Europe’s textile and clothing industry, has requested the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to carry out a dedicated study on technical textiles as part of the ongoing universal restriction on polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

The association has expressed its willingness to work with ECHA and the European Commission (EC) to frame practical and enforceable PFAS regulations that protect both people and the environment. Euratex’s appeal comes after ECHA decided to expand its background document to include eight new sectors without conducting separate reviews for each.

Euratex has cautioned that such a broad approach might overlook the specific uses and importance of technical textiles, leading to unrealistic restrictions that could disrupt industrial applications.

Euratex believes the assessment of technical textiles should be as detailed as those carried out for 14 other sectors. It has also requested clear definitions, sector-specific guidance, and realistic timelines for implementation, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that lack dedicated research and compliance teams.