Euratex's request follows the ECHA's recent decision to expand its background document to include eight additional sectors without performing separate analyses for each.

Euratex warns that such a broad approach could overlook the specialised roles and applications of technical textiles, potentially leading to impractical restrictions affecting various industrial uses.

Need for specific evaluation of technical textiles

Technical textiles play a pivotal role in various European sectors, including construction, geotextiles, filtration media, and defence in addition to medical and safety equipment.

Euratex points out that these products, which follow strict performance and safety standards, deserve more than just a single review.

The representative body for Europe's textile and clothing industry contends that the evaluation should be as comprehensive as those conducted for 14 other sectors. It calls for clear definitions, customised guidance, and feasible implementation timelines, especially considering SMEs with no dedicated research and development (R&D) or compliance departments.

Euratex’s recommendations for technical textiles

Euratex has urged ECHA and the European Commission (EC) to conduct an exhaustive assessment of technical textiles comparable to previous sector studies.

The body has also proposed clarifying distinctions between Textiles, Upholstery, Leather, Apparel, Carpets (TULAC) and technical textiles while excluding personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical products to avoid overlaps.

Additionally, it suggests expanding the sector list to cover omitted categories like construction and energy applications.

The body also called for postponing restrictions until a comprehensive evaluation or roadmap is prepared.

Meanwhile, Euratex advocates for targeted, science-based regulations focusing on emission prevention rather than broad bans that might drive production outside Europe.

This is due to the fact that some PFAS remain essential for technical applications, as no current alternatives can match their performance in areas such as fire protection and filtration.

Euratex said that it is open to assisting the ECHA and EC in formulating enforceable PFAS regulations that balance environmental and human safeguarding with maintaining the competitiveness of Europe's textile industry.