CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT
Through our chemical management programme, we work to identify potentially hazardous substances in our supply chain, restrict their use and, where possible, replace them with more suitable alternatives. We require our production partners to comply with the internationally recognised AFIRM Restricted Substances List (RSL).
The AFIRM RSL consolidates chemical requirements and limit values applicable worldwide and, in some areas, goes beyond them to promote industry-wide best practices. Its requirements also align in key respects with the criteria of OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100. Compliance is regularly verified through random testing by international testing institutes.
PFAS: PHASING OUT FLUORINATED FINISHES
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Due to their functional properties, these chemicals are frequently used to create a protective finishing for apparel. They can make materials water-, oil- and dirt-repellent, thereby providing long-lasting weather protection and high durability. Particularly for workwear that is used every day and must meet demanding performance requirements, PFAS-based finishes were long considered the technical standard.
At the same time, PFAS pose challenges for people and the environment. They do not occur naturally and can enter the environment during the manufacturing, use and disposal of products containing PFAS. Once released, they biodegrade very slowly, if at all, and may accumulate in soil, water bodies, organisms and ultimately in humans, potentially posing health risks. Against this background, it is important to us to use alternatives.
Since 2024, we have not used finishes that intentionally contain PFAS in new product developments. We have also completed the transition to alternatives in existing collections, except for Category III personal protective equipment (PPE). Through targeted random testing and close dialogue with our suppliers, we are working intensively to identify and eliminate unintentional, process-related PFAS residues.
CHALLENGES AND EXCEPTIONS FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
For selected Category III PPE products, a transition is not currently possible, as applicable protection standards cannot yet be consistently met using the PFAS-free alternatives currently available. These products are designed for the highest-risk applications and are intended to protect wearers against serious consequences, such as irreversible health damage caused by chemicals or flames. At present, suitable PFAS-free alternatives that have been proven in practical, daily use and provide the level of protection required by legislation and standards for this category are not yet widely available.