“No to PFAS» Webinar by Sympatex

Sympatex, European Outdoor Group, ChemSec and RISE guide through the ECHA consultation process

Sympatex invites to the “NO to PFAS webinar” on 4th of May 2023, 10.30 – 12 pm CEST.  The ingredient brand Sympatex has been able to win experts from the European Outdoor Group (EOG), ChemSec and RISE to speak about the PFAS ban and actual next steps for companies. Under the heading “Walk the Talk and say NO to PFAS – A Workshop on Alternatives and Concrete Action”Katy Stevens (EOG), Lisa Skedung (RISE), and Janatan  (ChemSec) will give an overview of specific PFAS restriction consequences in the textile industry, current PFAS alternatives, the concrete procedure of ECHA’s consultation phase and how to actively engage. Sympatex will be host and moderator. Registration is now open and free of charge. Everyone can register here.

“We encourage you to take the opportunity to join the information session and participate in this public consultation, as industry input is a very important basis for decision-making on the ban”, says Nicole Hühn, Sustainability Manager Sympatex.

“ ’Forever Chemicals’ will be banned in the textile industry – it’s just a matter of how many exceptions we allow. To make a positive impact and ban this enormously harmful group of chemicals is in our hands! In this workshop you will learn how the textile industry (e.g. OekoTex and bluesign) is responding to PFAS restrictions and what proven alternatives already exist. To stay ahead of the curve, you will also be guided on how to take concrete steps in the ECHA consultation process and thus contribute to banning PFAS from the textile industry. Join us for this must-attend workshop featuring leading experts from EOG, ChemSec and RISE”, adds Hühn.

The significance of the webinar is due to the fact that the entry into force of the PFAS ban planned for 2025 is inevitably around the corner. Just like the legally binding recyclability of products via the new EU law Ecodesign for Sustainable Products (ESPR).

That means, in the future not only conventional applications such as outdoor clothing and footwear must be PTFE-free in all aspects of materials and DWR, but also most PPE applications will not been granted any exemptions.

On February, 7th 2023, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published the Member States’ restriction proposal on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). A six-month public consultation started on 22nd of March 2023. Anyone who can contribute substantiated information on the PFAS restriction is encouraged to participate (for more information, and to comment, click here and here).

Sympatex recognized the danger of PFAS at an early stage. Thus, all functional fabrics fully meet the requirements for the forthcoming PFAS ban and additionally the recycling requirements of ESPR:  Sympatex materials are 100% PFAS-free and their polyester based mono-material allows all laminates to return to the closed textile loop at the end of their product life cycle without any problems. Sympatex laminates the polyester membrane with recycled polyester outer and recycled polyester lining materials and thus enables easy recyclability. By using Sympatex fabrics every brand is compliant with upcoming regulations.

 

About Sympatex

 Re>Closing the loop. Together. By incorporating a climate-neutral and recyclable Sympatex membrane.

 100 billion garments and 23 billion pairs of shoes produced p.a. represent Sympatex‘s future source of new raw material, once they‘ve reached their end of life. The intelligent Sympatex membrane has been used in clothing, shoes, accessories and technical applications since 1986 and guarantees being 100% waterproof, windproof and breathable – in accordance with the performance standard. Intelligent? The membrane develops proportionally increasing breathability at higher activity. New and far above standard is that Sympatex produces functional textiles from recycled and recyclable monomaterials. Sympatex will no longer use new materials from the oil industry in the future. Instead, used textiles are transformed into new, high-quality membranes, laminates and functional textiles. Sympatex is working with selected brand partners worldwide to close the textile cycle together.

Learn more about how the ingredient brand Sympatex uses its own collaborative attitude and brand power to turn new ideas into reality.