ECO FRIENDLY PRODUCTS
The development of environmentally friendly products is a central part of Tranemo's work to reduce our environmental impact while ensuring high functionality and safety. Through careful control of chemicals, continuous monitoring of legal requirements and close cooperation with suppliers, we strive to develop products that are safe for both users and the environment.
Can protective clothing be made without PFAS?
– The answer is YES!
What is PFAS?
PFAS is an abbreviation of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances and is a collective term for thousands of synthetically produced chemicals with a similar chemical structure. The chemicals are manufactured through industrial chemical processes, rather than occuring naturally in the environment.
On a molecular level, PFAS is made up of long carbon chains that bond to fluorine. The fluorine–carbon bond is classified as the strongest existing chemical bond and, due to its stable structure, the chemicals are extremely difficult for nature to break down. PFAS therefore has a major negative environmental impact.
Products that contain PFAS can release these substances throughout their life cycle, allowing the chemicals to spread through the environemtn and contaminate sources such as groundwater and drinking water. Exposure to PFAS has been associated with a range of adverse health effects, including some types of cancer, reproductive problems, effects on the immune system and liver and kidney damage.
WHY IS PFAS USED IN PROTECTIVE CLOTHING?
PFAS has for many years been used because of its excellent ability to repel water and oil-based chemicals and to protect against the high energy levels that can arise in arc flash accidents. In occupations in high-risk environments, the primary purpose is to protect the wearer, which places high demands on the protective clothing.
PFAS is applied to finished fabrics as an impregnation/finish and, because the chemicals have a high surface energy, they can resist liquids with a low surface tension, such as oil, o-xylene and butanol. PFAS also has good film-forming properties and, as an alternative to a finish, can be used on finished fabrics as a membrane or laminate. PTFE membranes (polytetrafluoroethylene) are an example of a commonly used membrane that contains PFAS the garments high water repellency and good breathability. The advantages of PFAS are the reason why it is used as protection in workwear, despite the awareness of its negative environmental impact.
Today, PFAS is commonly used in protective garments with the following certifications:
- EN ISO 20471 – High-visibility warning clothing
- EN 343 – Workwear with protection against rain
- EN 13034 – Protective clothing with chemical protection
- EN 61482-2 – Flame retardant clothing with arc flash protection
TRANEMO'S SOLUTIONS FOR A PFAS-FREE RANGE
We develop innovative solutions that have less impact on the environment, without compromising on the level of protection. Reducing the use of PFAS is a priority and a prerequisite for continuing our work towards a sustainable industry.
HIGH-VISIBILITY GARMENTS CERTIFIED ACCORDING TO EN ISO 20471
Main protective property: High visibility
Garments whose main purpose is to provide high visibility do not need a PFAS finish. Regular washing is sufficient to maintain visibility.
Many users of high-visibility garments wash their garments at home, and re-impregnation or reactivation of the finish is rarely carried out. Our tests show that a PFAS finish is unnecessary, as the dirt and water repellency is only effective on new garments and lasts for a limited number of washes.
Therefore, our solution is not to finish high-visibility garments and to recommend regular washing instead.
TAPED SHELL AND WINTER GARMENTS CERTIFIED ACCORDING TO EN 343
Main protective property: High water repellency
Together with our fabric suppliers, we have developed products with a PFAS-free finish that provides water repellency that is just as good as a finish with PFAS. To ensure good breathability of the garments, we use a PFAS-free PU membrane.
PROTECTIVE GARMENTS WITH CHEMICAL PROTECTION CERTIFIED ACCORDING TO EN 13034
Main protective property: Protection against chemicals in liquid form (acid, alkali, aromatic hydrocarbon and alcohol)
Through testing and innovation, we have developed products with a PFAS-free finish that works extremley well in providing as protection against acids and alkalis, and this finish is therefore used on many of our workwear garments with chemical protection. A PFAS-free finish, however, has a lower surface energy and can only repel liquids with a high surface tension, such as acids, alkalis and water.
Several of our customers require oil-repellent protective garments or protection against o-xylene and butanol. At present, we have not found any PFAS-free solution for this, which currently makes it impossible to completely phase out PFAS from our protective garments with chemical protection. We are working hard to find a solution for this as well.
FLAME RETARDANT GARMENTS WITH ARC FLASH PROTECTION CERTIFIED ACCORDING TO EN 61482-2
Main protective property: Protection against arc flash and thermal heat
For arc flash certified shell garments, membranes containing PFAS are often used to increase the arc flash protection and achieve a higher ELIM value. Despite this, we have decided not to use membranes that contain PFAS in our flame retardant shell garments. Instead, our solution is to use a PFAS-free PU membrane that passes flame and arc flash tests for single garments and in layer-on-layer systems with protection against higher energies.
Cross-impregnation
Today, PFAS is one of the biggest issues facing the workwear industry, as it is a problematic and very persistent chemical that has been used for a long time. Tranemo is actively working to phase out PFAS from garments where it is not necessary. At the same time, we know that there are large quantities of garments in stock and in use that contain PFAS, which means that the transition will take time.
How can we help our customers manage mixed garments?
To meet the requirements of EN 13034 and maintain chemical protection, the garments need to be re-impregnated. This should be done by industrial laundries that can carry out the process correctly in a closed system.
Our decision to phase out PFAS has been made possible by ensuring that cross-impregnation works in both directions. This means that a fabric with PFAS impregnation (C6) can be re-impregnated with a PFAS-free finish (C0), and vice versa. After extensive testing, we have been able to confirm that the fabric retains its function and continues to meet the requirements of EN 13034 Type PB[6], even after cross-impregnation. This has made it easier for us to take steps towards phasing out PFAS where it is not necessary.
Cross-impregnation and laundries
Since cross-impregnation is possible, laundries do not need to separate PFAS-free garments from garments that contain PFAS. It also means that laundries can choose whether to use PFAS or PFAS-free impregnation on garments certified according to EN 13034 Type PB[6]. Tranemo sees this as an important step towards a PFAS-free future.
Finish with or without PFAS
The result also means that our customers can choose to become PFAS-free even before their entire stock of garments has been phased out. If the risk assessment only requires protection against acids or alkaline substances, a garment with a PFAS-free finish can be used. PFAS-free alternatives lack the fluorine-based bonds that do not break down in nature and are therefore a more environmentally friendly choice.
However, if protection is required against, for example, o-xylene or butanol, garments with PFAS impregnation are needed. As a customer, you can always choose PFAS-free re-impregnation or garments without impregnation, provided that the protection needs are clearly defined.
Test your workwear
To ensure that garments function remains intact, Tranemo recommends carrying out regular sample tests. This can easily be done with a drop test: place a drop of vinegar on the garment. If the liquid is absorbed, the repellent function is not working, but if the drop remains on the surface, the protection is still intact.
NO TO PFAS
Since 2021, we have been part of the Swedish non-profit organisation ChemSec's “No to PFAS” movement, to help influence how chemical legislation is implemented in practice. This is important work that we are proud to be part of.
In 2023, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands and Germany submitted a proposal for a total ban on PFAS to ECHA (European Chemicals Agency). Tranemo supports this proposal.
We have now produced the last Tera TX fabric with PFAS
Since Tera TX is our most extensive and widely used flame retardant range, this marks an important milestone in our work to phase out PFAS. If you are unsure how to take care of your garments or what level of protection is required, you are always welcome to contact Tranemo.
Fewer chemicals
We strive to ensure that our garments are free from harmful, prohibited or restricted chemicals. By signing Tranemo's Acceptance Document, our suppliers commit to complying with our requirements and restrictions.
The use of chemicals is sometimes neccesary in our product development. Our main purpose is to protect our users from serious flame injuries and to develop the best protective solutions in a responsible way. Therefore, chemicals are handled with great care to ensure that our products are safe for both people and the environment.
100% inherent flame retardant protection
Tranemo manufactures only workwear with inherent flame retardant protection, which guarantees lifelong protection for the wearer. The flame retardant properties are part of the fibres' molecular structure and can neither be washed out nor worn away. In addition to providing permanent protection, the materials offer a high level of comfort and durability, while enabling the use of lightweight fabrics. Tranemo works closely with fibre manufacturers and constantly strives for innovation and more responsible development.
Swedish Chemicals Group
Tranemo is a member of the Swedish Chemicals Group at RISE, which means that we can keep up to date with the latest research and current legislation. In cooperation with RISE, our RSL is updated twice a year to ensure that we comply with current restrictions and recommendations.
REACH
Tranemo's products are manufactured from materials and accessories that meet the requirements of REACH – the EU's chemicals legislation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals). The regulations are administered by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and in Sweden by the Swedish Chemicals Agency.
Restricted Substances List (RSL)
To ensure compliance with REACH, we use a Restricted Substances List (RSL), which all our suppliers must sign and follow. Tranemo's RSL includes substances, requirements and limit values in accorance with European legislation. It also ensures compliance with other relevant EU regulations, such as the POPs Regulation and the Biocidal Products Regulation, as well as the Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC).
OEKO-TEX®
OEKO-TEX® is an independent third-party certification that provides assurance regarding the control of harmful substances. Almost all fabrics and accessories that Tranemo uses are tested and certified according to OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, product class 2. The certification reduces the risk of the unintentional use of harmful substances and increases product safety for the end user. All components in our garments, including fabric, lining, buttons and sewing thread, are tested against a list of limit values for over 300 substances, based on EU legislation (REACH), national requirements and scientifically identified hazardous substances.
Since 1 January 2024, garments containing PFAS have been covered by the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 PPE certification, as a result of new limit values (100 mg/kg). This update ensures that the certification remains in line with US regulations as well.
Go to the official OEKO-TEX® website. ↗
