Understanding the PFC Dilemma

Textile products that repel water and stains while retaining breathability have traditionally been made possible through one widely-used type of chemistry, perfluorinated chemicals or, PFCs. These chemicals have also been used in many fire retardants, as well as—most famously—in the “non-stick” coatings used to make pots and pans easier to clean. Under this broad chemical label, some types have more recently been recognized as hazardous and have been phased out—while others are widely accepted as being safe. However, the apparel and textile industry has seen more and more “PFC-Free” labels appearing on press releases and product documentation. There are a number of reasons behind this movement. To deliver the modern performance capabilities expected by consumers, brands and chemical companies have been working on new and innovative solutions, rethinking textile and apparel design, and finding new approaches to this chemistry.