While we welcome the Government’s commitment to improved testing, better understanding of health and environmental impacts, and clearer public communication, the plan stops short of what is urgently needed: firm restrictions or a ban on PFAS”, comments Director of Product Tim Pickering. “Instead, the plan offers guidance and defers decisions pending further research - at a time when the EU has already introduced tighter PFAS controls and is actively exploring a universal ban. Against this backdrop, the Government’s approach looks particularly weak. ‘Forever chemicals’ are persistent, bioaccumulative and harmful – the science is clear enough to justify decisive action now.”
Páramo guarantees the exclusion of hazardous chemicals in its value chain to help preserve the outdoors for generations to come. The brand has never added any type of per or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to its waterproofs for water repellency. In 2014, with irrefutable evidence of their harmful, hazardous and polluting nature, the brand went even further by introducing a fabric testing protocol guaranteeing their full exclusion from all products and processes. The test Páramo uses is called Combustion Ion Chromatography, a technique that combines high-temperature combustion with ion chromatography to determine if any fluorinated substances are present in the fabric.
The PFAS-Free Nikwax Analogy Waterproof System used by Páramo was the first of its kind when it was launched and introduced a whole new concept of waterproof clothing to the international stage. Unlike conventional waterproofing methods, which are based on a waterproof breathable membrane that is laminated to fabric, Páramo’s waterproof garments work in a different way that’s quite unique. Páramo waterproofs last longer than conventional waterproofs – offering renewable waterproofing and repairability. Waterproofs in the collection use fabrics designed NOT to become obsolete. The unique PFAS-free Nikwax Analogy fabric system provides fantastic ultra-breathable performance, keeping the weather out without recourse to laminates, membranes or taped seams. As a result, there are no elements to break down or fail over time. Instead, the waterproofing is renewable indefinitely with water-based Nikwax aftercare products.
In conclusion, Páramo is calling on the Government to strengthen its PFAS Plan by committing to clear restrictions and an outright ban on PFAS, rather than relying on guidance and future reviews. With safer alternatives already in use and EU countries moving ahead with tougher regulation, further delay only prolongs unnecessary harm to human health and the environment. The UK has an opportunity to show leadership on “forever chemicals” - but without decisive action, it risks falling further behind.