#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

RUDOLF gets the exclusive global distribution rights for Sanitized® textile technologies

With effect from today, RUDOLF officially assumes exclusive global distribution rights for Sanitized® textile technologies from SANITIZED AG. This is the next milestone in the strategic collaboration announced in 2025, with the partnership between the two companies now fully implemented and expanded worldwide.

organIQ seek: smart alternative to potassium permanganate

CHT Group announces new technical findings within its organIQ seek platform that significantly advance the transition toward permanganate-free denim bleaching. Through extensive industrial testing and application research, CHT confirms that organIQ seek can now be used with remarkable effectiveness as a substitute for potassium permanganate in spray bleach, while remaining aligned with sustainability expectations and cost realities in the European market. At the COLOMBIATEX in Medellín as well as at the Exintex in Puebla and the Kingpins Show in Amsterdam the CHT Group will present organIQ seek as an alternative to potassium permanganate.

Archroma brings high-impact textile innovations to Colombiatex 2026

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, is proud to announce its participation in Colombiatex 2026, one of the most influential textile and apparel industry events in the Americas. The event will take place in Medellín, Colombia, from January 27 to 29, where Archroma will welcome visitors at Booth PC006.

Devan unveils innovative textile solutions to enhance comfort during sleep at Heimtextil 2026

From 13 to 16 January 2026, Devan was exhibiting at Heimtextil in Frankfurt, the world’s leading international trade fair for home and contract textiles. The event brought together key players from across the global textile value chain, providing the ideal platform for Devan to present its latest innovations.

Circulose restarts commercial-scale production at Ortviken plant in Sundsvall

Circulose today announced the restart of its commercial-scale production plant at Ortviken in Sundsvall, Sweden, marking a significant step in scaling next-generation materials for the global fashion industry. The company plans to resume production of CIRCULOSE®, a recycled pulp made entirely from discarded cotton textiles, in the fourth quarter of 2026.

VIATT 2026 to debut German Pavilion, strengthening European participation alongside key Asian textile hubs

Vietnam’s textile and garment sector continues to be a major contributor to the country’s economic growth, with export revenues expected to reach USD 46 billion in 2025, a 5.6% increase from 2024 . From 26 – 28 February, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is set to contribute to economic growth opportunities by accelerating digital transformation and green transition across the entire textile value chain. The upcoming edition will respond to the rising demand for advanced technologies and sustainable materials with the introduction of the German Pavilion, alongside strong exhibitor participation from key Asian sectors, as well as several high-profile fringe events.

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.