On the 19th of September, the European Commission adopted a new measure to protect human health and the environment by restricting the use of undecafluorohexanoic acid (‘PFHxA') and PFHxA ‑related substances. These sub-groups of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (‘PFAS') are very persistent and mobile in water, and their use in certain products poses an unacceptable risk to human health and the environment.
The restriction will ban the sale and use of PFHxA in consumer textiles, such as rain jackets; food packaging, like pizza boxes; consumer mixtures such as waterproofing sprays; cosmetics like skin care products; and in some firefighting foam applications.
This new restriction marks a step towards a future where textile industry is safer for people and the environment.
Further information can be found on the European Commission's website.