PFAS-Free Revolution: How Consumer Demand Outpaces Regulation
Forever chemicals (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, known as PFAS) are pervasive synthetic compounds found in everything from water-resistant fabrics to food packaging. They pose alarming health risks, including cancer and organ damage. With these persistent toxins detected in 99% of Americans' bloodstreams primarily through contaminated water and food, regulatory agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are now racing to establish protective limits and reduce environmental contamination of these virtually indestructible substances. Real change, however, will be driven by the growing consumer demand for PFAS-free non-essential products.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin outlined upcoming agency actions to address PFAS concerns. His long list of actions included the designation of an agency lead for PFAS, the creation of effluent limitations guidelines (ELGs) for certain PFAS to stop these forever chemicals from entering drinking water systems, and initiatives to engage with Congress and industry to establish a clear liability framework that ensures the polluter pays and passive receivers are protected.
'I have long been concerned about PFAS and the efforts to help states and communities dealing with legacy contamination in their backyards. We are tackling PFAS from all of EPA's program offices, advancing research and testing, stopping PFAS from getting into drinking water systems, holding polluters accountable, and providing certainty for passive receivers. This is just a start of the work we will do on PFAS to ensure Americans have the cleanest air, land, and water,' said Zeldin. However, government cuts in the EPA and the recent dismissal of hundreds of scientists and experts who had been working on the federal government's global warming report may impact the agency's ability to deal with PFAS usage and regulation.
A recent study by the U.S. Geological Survey found that at least 45% of US drinking water samples ... More contained at least one type of PFAS
'But here is the reality: In the U.S. and globally for that matter, regulation isn't solely what's driving industry action. It's multi-faceted; The three recurring factors often discussed are: (1) increased consumer awareness of the PFAS issue; (2) genuine commitment to sustainability demanded by shareholders who are also consumers; and (3) the sheer scale of PFAS related legal action,' said Michelle Bellanca, Chief Executive Officer at Claros Technologies Incorporated in an exclusive interview. Retailers and brands want to proactively address the PFAS issue and stay ahead of the growing consumer concerns over forever chemicals. 'Regulation helps, but it's more tailwind than tip of the spear,' said Bellanca.
There are approximately 14,000 PFAS compounds with properties valued for durability and lubrication. Essential uses of PFAS may include products necessary for health and safety purposes where alternatives have not yet been established, such as medical devices or occupational protective clothing (firefighter clothing and equipment). PFAS are found in microprocessors and semiconductor devices, which may be considered essential or nonessential based on the use cases of the product.
PFAS can be found in many consumer products used every day, such as nonstick cookware, stain and water-resistant coatings for clothing, upholstery, carpets, umbrellas, food packaging (for ready-made-foods), cleaning products, personal care products (beauty products, dental floss, and sunscreens). All of these may be deemed nonessential uses of forever chemicals.
As consumers become more aware of PFAS in non-essential items, they may become more demanding in terms of purchasing items that have proven to be PFAS-free. Reports have indicated that kitchenware sales have spiked due to growing concerns about PFAS chemicals. Minnesota became the first to ban the sale of cookware containing PFAS early this year, while six states have enacted phase-outs of PFAS in cookware, including Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Retailers may find that PFAS-free labels in the retail industry will probably become more important than GMO, organic, green, or other labels in consumer importance in terms of sustainability. Product labels can specify that products are made without added PFAS, rather than being truly PFAS-free, which can be misleading for consumers.
'When brands claim to be PFAS-free, they had better be ready to back it up. Most can't,' stated Bellanca. What makes PFAS labeling different from a vague green or organic label is that PFAS is scientifically detectable, even at parts per trillion. One part per trillion is like a single drop in 20 Olympic-sized pools, explains Bellanca. There are only three labs in the country that can rigorously test down to the part-per-trillion level and help brands confirm PFAS-free claims with real, third-party validated data. 'Bottom line: it's about transparency over taglines. If you're not testing, you're guessing,' said Bellanca.
Some companies are being proactive, and have been for years, especially in the outdoor apparel and accessories market. Fenix Outdoor International AG, with brands such as Fjällräven, a company known for quality backpacks and outdoor gear, has a Chemical Guideline and Restricted Substances List that all partners and suppliers must adhere to. It includes a broad ban on non-essential uses of fluorochemicals (PFAS).
Patagonia has been working on reducing and eliminating the use of PFAS in its products for the past fifteen years. The company just announced that for the Spring 2025 season and beyond, 100% of new products are made without intentionally added PFAS. Patagonia states that while there are more than 14,000 PFAS chemistries regulated by the new laws, only a few of these chemistries are used for a functional or technical purpose in clothing. These few are the chemistries the company is not adding to its products. Patagonia recognizes that there is a possibility with the amount of chemistries (over 14,000) that some of these might show up in different components of apparel and manufacturing processes, hence the use of the terminology, 'not intentionally added.'
'Made without added PFAS' just means the manufacturer didn't intentionally add it during production. But PFAS can sneak in upstream—like in untreated cotton or coatings from third-party raw material suppliers," explains Bellanca. Brands may still be held accountable, especially as consumer activism continues to grow.
In the U.S., mass awareness has not caught on with consumers, but the awakening is coming as a swell of legal action comes into play. More and more cases like the $12.5 billion 3M settlement are being noticed. 'Those payout settlement numbers—nine, ten, eleven figures—get attention. And with more than 300,000 U.S. companies using PFAS, we're only just beginning to see the impact,' claims Bellanca.
Phasing out PFAS in nonessential products is already underway, with the European Union (EU) leading legislative action with its mandate that went into effect in February 2025 specifying restrictions to be in effect by August 2026. One of the provisions is to minimize the use of substances of concern (including the placement of restrictions on their pervasive use in packaging materials), requiring that concentrations not exceed certain threshold levels. 'In Europe, informed consumers have driven real change, which is why the EU is way ahead on PFAS regulations and in the process of enacting EU-wide PFAS regulations under REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals),' stated Bellanca.
The PFAS issue represents both a challenge and an opportunity for retailers. The battle against forever chemicals represents a pivotal shift in consumer-corporate dynamics. Addressing it requires supply chain scrutiny and potential product reformulation. It also presents a chance for companies to lead on an important consumer health issue before regulations force action. As consumer awareness grows, PFAS-free products will likely gain a competitive advantage and provide retailers the opportunity to build trust with consumers. Retailers and brands must take the lead when it comes to protecting public health from persistent toxins, waiting for government action is no longer viable.
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