PFAS free tech: good or just as bad?
I recently needed to purchase outdoor furniture, but did not find any I liked that were PFAS free. WE are still a few years (2025) away from PFAS being banned from all fabrics in California so, slowly, very slowly, some companies are starting to incorporate PFAS free technology. Sadly, I did not find something I was happy with in the style and price range I was looking for. Also, the few PFAS free technologies available leave a lot to be desired. I am concerned about regrettable substitution as some technology is questionable and most are not being fully transparent about their ingredients. My plan B is to reupholster with PFAS free fabric or buy ‘normal’ fabric and treat it with a non toxic fabric protector…. but like I said, its tricky to find something completely non-toxic so I am still debating what to do. Below what I have found rated X for what seem the least toxic. X for what I would like to hear more details (full ingredient lists or studies ) about and X for what I would avoid
X Otter Wax Heat-Activated Fabric Dressing : the most natural of the options. Heat-Activated Fabric Dressing: mostly for Cotton Jackets giving a Factory-Waxed Look. Environmentally Friendly & Safe Ingredients -Handmade in Portland, Oregon, USA-100% Natural Ingredients: Non-Toxic, No Silicone, No Petroleum
X OrganotexOrgano Tex: (available at organotex online REima and more European online outlets ) Pfas free spray for furniture OrganotexOrganoTex®, which offers a biodegradable and fluorocarbon-free alternative for the water repellent fabric treatment of clothing and shoes. Uses plant-based catalysts to bind water repellent “fatty” molecules directly to the textile fibers. The plant-based catalysts create a 3D-structured fabric surface of “fatty” molecules, resulting in the OrganoTex® technology´s excellent performance.The products are readily biodegradable in accordance with OECD 301A. Ingredients of concern : Laureth-3 ; Laureth-9, ethoxylated propoxylated (>2.5 moles EO/PO) Sodium Laureth Sulfate… but still better in my opinion than PFAS
X Ecorepel,(available Switzerland and online limited) is a PFAS free water and mud repellent technology that imitates the natural, water-repelling protection of duck’s plumages… based on long paraffin chains that wrap themselves in a spiral around the individual fibers. Suitable for garment as protection against rain and mud on outdoor and softshell jackets, hiking pants and cotton products. It can also be used on umbrellas, bags, backpacks and home textile. 80 – 100 % biodegradable in accordance with OECD 302 B. It is also bluesign® certified which guarantees the greatest possible exclusion of substances that could be harmful to humans or the environment and promotes the economical use of resources in manufacturing.
X Crypton Fabrics: Available in stores like HD Buttercup, some Pottary Barn, Design Within REach and Joann's fabric, Stinson and more 100% of Crypton Fabrics are PFAS-Free since October 1, 2022… I am not sure how it achieves this though
X Sunbrella: Sunbrella Assure was launched in 2019. It is PFAS free, yet really difficult to identify which Sunbrella fabrics in large stores are using Sunbrella Assure if any vs their other PFAS containing fabrics. Going to a local fabric store might be the best bet as this one is hard to find: we know it exists just dont know where to find it and what exactly makes it water resistant.
This sprays, and many new ones being developed in Europe and the US, use nanotechnology - which personally worries me. Nanoparticles are so tiny that they can enter our body and even make their way into our organs. Maybe these particles are safe, maybe they are better than PFAS, or maybe a few years down the line it turns out they are just as bad. ITs hard to say with new technology.
Again, uses nano technology that is silicon dioxide and water based, allowing for a non-flammable and odorless fabric, shoe, carpet and fabric protector.
X XNikwax waterproofing treatments are made from a breathable elastic water-repellent elastomer called TX. 10 that bonds to the fibres of the fabric and fill material. Their washes contain some questionable ingredients like fragrance chemicals.
XTeflon EcoElite™ finish is a bio-based and non-fluorinated stain repellent technology that repels water and water-based stains. The finish can be applied to a variety of fabrics without impacting feel or breathability… Here is what I dont like: It is made by Dupont (the creators of PFAS chemicals like Teflon who I just do not trust as a company) and while they boast it is made of 60% plant based materials I could not find a full ingredient list anywhere.