What are PFAS (Fluorocarbons)?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as fluorocarbons, are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used for their water and stain-resistant properties. They have been used in various industries, including textiles, to enhance durability and performance.
Why are PFAS Harmful?
PFAS are often referred to as "forever chemicals" because they do not naturally break down in the environment, leading to long-term contamination. Their persistence poses significant risks to ecosystems and human health, as they can accumulate in soil, water, and living organisms. Reducing and eliminating PFAS is crucial to minimising environmental and health impacts.
Challenges in Eliminating PFAS
Historically, PFAS-based treatments have been used in protective clothing for their ability to:
Repel dirt, oil, and water
Provide durable water repellency (DWR)
Enhance the longevity of garments in harsh conditions
Since 2023, we have been committed to finding effective alternatives to PFAS while maintaining the high-performance standards expected of Leo Workwear products. Before fully transitioning, we believed it was essential to trial PFAS-free treatments to ensure they met our strict performance criteria.
Our Transition to PFAS-Free DWR Finishes
In 2024, we conducted extensive trials of PFAS-free DWR finishes on select garments. Wearers who tested these products reported no noticeable difference in performance compared to those with PFAS-based treatments. Encouraged by these results and driven by our commitment to environmental responsibility, Leo Workwear made the decision to completely phase out PFAS-containing DWR finishes across our product range.
Progress and Commitment
We initiated the transition in late 2024 and have already converted approximately 71% of all relevant products (including outer garments, mid-layers, and trousers) to PFAS-free DWR finishes. This process is ongoing, but no new orders will be placed with PFAS-based finishes, we remain dedicated to achieving full elimination of PFAS from our supply chain.
As a quality control measure, we will periodically test our fabrics under EN 17681 to verify the absence of PFAS and provide further assurance of our commitment to safer, more sustainable products.
The efforts undertaken over the past few years have enabled us to make this significant step forward, ensuring that we eliminate harmful chemicals without compromising the outstanding protection and performance that customers expect from Leo garments.
Looking Ahead
At Leo Workwear, we will continue to provide high-quality high visibility clothing that provides the best protection and conformance, whilst ensuring that we continue to reduce our impact on the world.
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