Do you work with protective clothing according to EN 13034? Chances are they contain PFAS: chemicals that protect against dangerous splashes, but at the same time pose a threat to your health as well as the environment. Tighter regulations mean companies need to switch more quickly to safe, sustainable alternatives.
Growing health and environmental concerns are changing the playing field at lightning speed. In this blog post, we look at:
- The current situation around PFAS in workwear,
- What is still allowed under the legislation,
- And how garment manufacturers and industrial laundries are responding to the changes.
What are PFAS and why are they used in EN 13034 protective workwear?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These chemicals make textiles water, grease and dirt-repellent. This is useful for rainy weather gear, but also essential for workwear that needs to protect against hazardous liquids.
An important part of protection according to the EN 13034 standard is that the fabric must repel liquids. The PFAS finish ensures that chemical splashes bead on the fabric. This is very important for the safety of the wearer who has to work with aggressive substances.
In protective workwear, PFAS provide:
- Water and oil resistance,
- Reduced absorption of hazardous liquids,
- Longer fabric life,
- Easier cleaning and maintenance.
For clothing complying with the EN 13034 standard, these properties are crucial. Workwear under this standard is widely used in industries where workers are exposed to chemical splashes, such as chemical, pharmaceutical, or laboratory environments.
Curious about PFAS-free alternatives? Schedule a free consultation.
The flip-side of PFAS
PFAS are also known as 'forever chemicals'. They do not easily break down in the environment and accumulate in the body. Studies show that PFAS can lead to:
- A disrupted immune system
- Hormonal problems
- Reduced fertility
- Increased risk of cancer
- Pollution of soil, water and air
As a result, governments are increasingly restricting the use of PFAS, including in protective workwear.
Also read our article on sustainable workwear: What is sustainable workwear? The workwear you wear longest!
Current legislation around PFAS: what is (still) allowed?
Governments are tightening PFAS rules. In Europe, governments are working to ban PFAS in consumer products. Manufacturers of protective clothing must therefore also look for safe alternatives.
Latest developments:
- EU REACH regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) already contains restrictions on specific PFAS compounds, such as PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulphonates).
- A general European ban on thousands of PFAS compounds, including their use in textiles, was proposed in 2023 .
- Exceptions have been proposed for certain applications, such as workwear in healthcare, fire brigades or industries that have the EN 13034 standard - but these exceptions are temporary (we are talking about a few years).
- Manufacturers may continue to use PFAS in EN 13034 workwear for the time being, but must prove that there is no safe alternative.
How are clothing producers responding?
Manufacturers of workwear face a big challenge:
- Searching for alternatives: There is a strong push towards PFAS-free coatings, such as silicone or paraffin-based coatings, but these do not always offer the same protection as fluorinated coatings.
- Adaptation of production chains: Many manufacturers are adapting their production chains for PFAS-free processes and investing in new certifications.
- Transparency and communication: More and more companies are actively communicating about the PFAS content in their products and striving for transparency towards customers.
Yet there is also uncertainty. Some manufacturers are asking for longer transition periods, especially for clothing that must comply with standard EN 13034, as the safety of the wearer would otherwise be compromised.
And what about industrial laundries?
Industrial laundries - such as those affiliated to Netex or ETSA - also face the impact of PFAS:
- PFAS in waste water: When PFAS-treated clothes are washed, residues may end up in the waste water. Waste water treatment requirements are therefore becoming increasingly stringent.
- Washing performance in PFAS-free workwear: New PFAS-free coatings behave differently during washing, drying and re-impregnation. Laundries are adapting their processes accordingly.
- Collaboration with producers: There is growing cooperation between laundries and garment manufacturers to develop products that remain compliant with EN 13034 even after multiple washes, without PFAS.
- During substance production, fluorocarbon application is carried out within closed systems, so there is no discharge to the sewers. In the laundry sector, however, this is done in a regular washing process, i.e. an open system. In the process, some of the solution ends up in the wash water, after which residues can end up in the sewer.
The future of PFAS in protective workwear: from C8 to C0
C8, C6 and C0 refer to types of fluorochemicals used to make textiles (e.g. workwear) water, oil and dirt-repellent. They differ in the length of the fluorocarbon chain and their impact on the environment and health.
The big challenge is that completely PFAS-free workwear must provide the same protection. This relates to the technology behind the repellent finish:
- C8 technology: The old generation of fluorochemicals with 8 carbon atoms, offered very strong water, grease and oil resistance that lasted a long time, but is extremely persistent, toxic and largely banned in Europe since 2020.
- C6 technology: This variation, with 6 carbon atoms, was developed as a substitute and still works well, although it is slightly less effective against oil and remains PFAS, so still corresponds to environmental and health risks.
- C0 technology: These are completely PFAS-free and use alternatives such as silicone or paraffin, which are more biodegradable and have a reduced environmental impact, but typically offer a shorter lifespan and less robust protection, requiring more frequent re-treatment during heavy use. As a result, C0 sometimes does not meet the same levels of protection as C6.
The difference:
- PFAS finish (Fluorocarbon): surface tension 15-20 mN/m → also repels oil and alcohol.
- PFAS-free finish (Hydrocarbon): surface tension 30 mN/m → only repels water.
The answer to the question "Is PFAS-free workwear just as safe?" depends on the working conditions. It is important to always test new substances in practice, so that employees can continue to work safely.
Conclusion: a PFAS-free future?
The discussion on PFAS in workwear with standard EN 13034 is an example of the balance between human and environmental protection versus practical safety in the workplace. The transition to PFAS-free alternatives is well underway, but requires:
- Technological innovation,
- Time for adjustments in production and maintenance,
- Clear guidelines from the legislature.
For now, PFAS may still be used in workwear to a limited extent, but it is clear that the clock is ticking towards a ban. Both manufacturers and laundries are taking steps towards a future without these "forever chemicals".
The transition to PFAS-free workwear is in full swing and requires customisation. We follow developments closely and are happy to help you choose safe and more sustainable solutions that comply with the EN 13034 standard.
Want advice on PFAS-free workwear? Please feel free to contact us.