US textile manufacturer, Milliken & Company, has set a goal of eliminating eliminate all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, from its textile finishes and fibers range.

PFAS are a group of manufactured chemicals that are frequently employed in the production of a wide range of products. They are often employed in stain-resistant coatings and fibers, as well as coatings and fibers that resist oil, water, grease, and heat. Recent research has linked PFAS to a variety of negative health effects in humans, including liver damage, hormone suppression, cancer, and thyroid disorders.

Halsey Cook, president and CEO for Milliken & Company, said that sustainability is a core principle of their firm, and they are and have always been on a journey for continual development. While they may not always start off with perfect information, they aim to make improvements when new information becomes available.

Milliken's Textile Business intends to remove all PFAS-containing compounds from its portfolio by the end of this year.

Chad McAllister, executive vice president, Milliken & Company, and president, Milliken’s Textile Business, said that their pledge to their customers is to engineer the highest-quality protection and performance textiles, and their objective is to positively impact the planet for generations.