#Textile chemistry

2025-03-20

PFAS: TÜV Rheinland expands global testing capabilities

TÜV Rheinland is expanding its testing capacity worldwide to meet the growing global demand for testing services for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The testing services provider has seen demand increase by more than 30 per cent year-on-year. PFAS, a group of more than 10,000 known substances, are used in many industries for their functional properties, including textiles, food packaging, furniture and carpet fabrics, as well as mechanical and automotive engineering. However, their potential risk to the environment and human health is increasingly the focus of regulatory and public attention.

In view of increasing demand for PFAS testing services, TÜV Rheinland is expanding its testing capacities worldwide (photo: TÜV Rheinland).

The chemical ban on PFAS in many countries in the world poses new challenges for manufacturers and retailers and requires a lot of development and testing. Companies that manufacture, trade or import products will need to monitor and reduce PFAS. TÜV Rheinland is helping companies prepare for changes in legislation by providing accurate chemical analysis. "This enables companies to adapt to changes in the legal situation at an early stage, establish responsible action as a quality feature and thus remain competitive," explains Steffen Tümptner, an expert at TÜV Rheinland.

PFAS in industry – further restrictions on the horizon

In the EU, several classes of PFAS are already subject to restrictions, for example under the REACH and POP regulations. In September 2024, EU Regulation 2024/2462 was adopted, which will phase in bans on PFHxA (C6 PFAS) in certain applications over a five-year period. This includes a ban on PFAS in clothing, footwear, paper and board in contact with food and in cosmetics from October 2026. From October 2027, the ban will be extended to other textiles and leather products. European authorities are currently considering further restrictions that could cover more and more PFAS in the long term. The US authorities are also taking far-reaching action to restrict PFAS at the national level. In April 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued nationwide limits for six groups of substances in tap water, making them among the strictest in the world.

Accurate analysis and expert advice from TÜV Rheinland

TÜV Rheinland's testing packages, training and on-site audits provide the tools needed to analyse products, find suitable alternatives and ensure more sustainable production. More information on PFAS for interested parties and companies is available at: www.tuv.com/pfas

Archroma and Prosperity Textile to collaborate on denim innovation

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals, and Prosperity Textile, an international fabric manufacturer with production bases in China and Vietnam, have announced a partnership to drive denim innovation. They will collaborate to develop, evaluate and implement new approaches to improve denim aesthetics, durability and performance, with a shared commitment to sustainability.

SANITIZED and RUDOLF join forces to extend textile performance and wearability

Long-lasting performance textiles require solutions that address a wide range of consumer expectations, from lasting freshness and comfort to reliable protection against the elements. SANITIZED and RUDOLF are highlighting their latest innovations, demonstrating how specialized textile technologies can support the functional durability and wearability of modern apparel.

Nicca names Archroma exclusive ZELAN™ distributor, extending a decade-long legacy

Archroma and Nicca Chemical are collaborating to support the continued growth of ZELAN™ non-fluorinated durable water repellents (DWRs) across the global textile industry. The announcement follows Nicca’s acquisition of the ZELAN™ business from The Chemours Company in March 2026 and extends Archroma’s decade-long legacy with the ZELAN™ brand.

BW Converting, Archroma and Monforts to highlight precision spray finishing at IGATEX Pakistan 2026

BW Converting, Archroma and Monforts will participate in IGATEX Pakistan 2026, held Oct. 15–18 at the Expo Centre Lahore, at Al-Ameen Trading Corporation’s stand F-2-09 in Hall 2. Together, the companies will highlight precision spray-finishing technology, textile chemistry expertise and application-development support to help Pakistan’s textile manufacturers evaluate opportunities to improve finishing performance and production efficiency.

KARL MAYER expands TM WEFT capabilities for fashion fabrics at ITMA ASIA 2026

A new E 36 gauge, an EL pattern drive and improved yarn tension regulation extend the application possibilities of KARL MAYER's TM WEFT warp knitting machine. At ITMA ASIA 2026, the company will demonstrate the developments alongside a collection of woven-like warp knitted fabrics for fashion and apparel.

Textiles Recycling Expo USA 2027 opens registration and expands with manufacturing exhibition

The second edition of Textiles Recycling Expo USA will take place on 7–8 April 2027 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Following a debut that attracted more than 1,800 visitors and 95 exhibitors, the event will expand its exhibition and conference programme and will be held alongside the new Textiles Manufacturing Expo.

MarediModa highlights transparency and traceability with InsideOut by C.L.A.S.S.

The InsideOut by C.L.A.S.S. exhibition at MarediModa 2026 in Cannes focused on transparency, traceability and the measurable values behind fashion products. Its Decalogue of Values aims to make environmental, social and production-related information more accessible throughout the textile supply chain.