The PFHxA restriction
European Chemicals Agency restricts PFHxA substances
On 19 September 2024, ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) announced a restriction on PFHxA-related substances. PFHxA substances are mainly and often used in textile products, primarily because of their water- and stain-repellent properties. PFHxA-related substances are a subgroup of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).
PFAS have sparked global concerns because they are highly persistent in the environment, with the potential to accumulate in human bodies, wildlife, and food chains. This restriction can be seen as a step following the 2023 proposal to gradually phase out all PFAS-related substances.
This PFHxA restriction will ban the sale and use in:
- Consumer textiles and clothing,
- Footwear,
- Food contact materials,
- Cosmetics, and
- Firefighting foam.
It does not affect other applications of PFHxA, for example in semiconductors, batteries or fuel cells for green hydrogen.
Transition period
The PFHxA restriction formally enters into force on October 10, twenty days after publication in the EU Official Journal.
It will take effect after transitional periods of between 18 months and 5 years, depending on the use, allowing time for replacement by safer alternatives. However, this extended timeline should not delay proactive measures. Industries must begin exploring new solutions now to stay ahead of impending regulations.
Use of PFHxA substances in textiles
A study conducted by IPEN, published on 28 November 2023, found that a significant proportion of outerwear and clothing contains harmful PFAS. Specifically, the study revealed that 63.8% of the 72 samples tested contained PFAS or had levels of extractable organic fluorine (EOF) indicating the presence of PFAS. Within this group, 62.5% of outdoor jackets and 68.8% of other clothing items, such as T-shirts and swimsuits, tested positive for PFAS.
Additionally, banned chemicals like PFOA and PFDA (belonging to PFHxA-related substances) were detected in many products, highlighting ongoing health risks.
Please see the following links for details.
- New study finds banned “forever chemicals” being used in children’s clothing worldwide.
- PFAS “Forever Chemicals” Found in Outerwear and Clothing Sold Globally
Use of PFHxA substances in food packaging
A study conducted by ARNIKA, published on May 20, 2021, examined disposable food packaging and tableware from fast-food chains across six European countries. Of the 42 samples analysed, 32 were found to have been intentionally treated with PFAS, highlighting the widespread use of these harmful chemicals. The highest concentrations of PFAS were identified in moulded fibre products like bowls and plates, even in items marketed as compostable or biodegradable. Alarmingly, even in samples not intentionally treated with PFAS, the presence of these chemicals was detected, suggesting cross contamination during production.
Please see the following links for details.
