Research from Ethical Consumer has found that more than 80% of the 27 companies they investigated are still using per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) in their products. PFAs, also known as forever chemicals, can contaminate soil and water supply.
After securitization, companies producing outdoor clothing such as fleeces, waterproof jackets, walking boots and rucksacks the research found that 82% of the companies were still using PFAs.
PFAs have been used in consumer products since the 1950s, and can take hundreds of years to disappear, all the while contaminating the soil and water supply. Certain PFAs have also been linked to health problems including:
In February the government said it was considering restricting the use of PFAs in consumer products under UK chemical regulation, the Assimilated Regulation 1907/2006 on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).
There are companies that don't use PFAs including Páramo and Finisterre, with many firms also aiming to end PFA use next year.
Jane Turner, an Ethical Consumer writer and researcher, said: "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. That’s not acceptable, and companies must stop using them now. Consumers should only buy from the responsible companies that have stopped using PFAS."
