Fristads accelerates phase-out of PFAS in workwear

Fristads accelerates phase-out of PFAS in workwear Fristads has taken a major step towards eliminating PFAS from its product range. As of right now, 99 percent of its workwear range either has no intentionally added PFAS or is in transition to have no added PFAS. The initiative is part of a long-term commitment to reduce the environmental impact of workwear without compromising on safety, durability or performance.

Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are widely used to make materials resistant to water, oil and dirt. Not only are they found in many household items, from non-stick cookware and cosmetics to textiles and furniture, but they are also common in some types of workwear. Since PFAS don’t break down easily, they accumulate in soil, water and living organisms, posing long-term risks to ecosystems and human health.

“PFAS have been used in workwear for decades, especially in protective garments,” said Petra Öberg Gustafsson, Managing Director at Fristads. “Even though our workwear is safe to wear, we think the environmental cost of these chemicals is simply too high. That is whywe see a responsible phase-out as the only option.”

From industry standard to phase-out
PFAS are commonly used in high-visibility clothing, rainwear and protective garments to enhance performance properties such as water repellency and chemical resistance. In many cases, however, these functions can be achieved without PFAS. Over the past several years, Fristads has worked closely with suppliers to develop alternatives with no intentionally added PFAS across its product categories.

Fristads will not introduce any new products containing intentionally added PFAS, and the remaining products will be updated with alternatives or phased out of the assortment altogether. That includes some flame-retardant garments where PFAS are still considered essential to protect against specific oil-based chemicals.

“Safety always comes first,” said Lisa Rosengren, Sustainability & Raw Material Manager at Fristads. “And after carefully evaluating the environments where our workwear is used, we are confident that our finishes with no intentionally added PFAS meet the needs of our customers.”

Transparency at product level
To minimise waste and make sure that material and garments that have already been produced will come of use, the phase-out is being implemented gradually. During a transition period, that means customers may temporarily encounter a mixed stock, where some products contain added PFAS and others don’t. For full transparency, Fristads has posted the status of each product model on their website, where garments are labelled as either containing no intentionally added PFAS, or being in transition. This helps customers make informed decisions based on their specific needs and requirements.

Why PFAS matter
Studies show that PFAS can been found in groundwater, wildlife and the human bloodstream worldwide. Even low levels of exposure have been linked to health risks, including hormone disruption, immune system effects and certain types of cancer. While garments containing PFAS are considered safe to wear, the main concern lies in their environmental impact during production, use and disposal. By proactively developing products with no added PFAS, Fristads aims not only to reduce its own environmental footprint but also to accelerate change across the industry.

“Phasing out PFAS is not the easiest path, but it is the right one,” said Petra Öberg Gustafsson. “It pushes us to innovate, rethink established solutions and ultimately create better products – for both our users and the environment.”