Environmentally friendly protection

ONE OF the main focus areas for Tranemo Workwear and what is inspiring us the most, is to work with innovative solutions that have less impact on the environment - without compromising on the garments level of protection. 

Reducing the use of PFAS is a major priority for us and a prerequisite for continuing our work towards a sustainable industry.  

What are PFAS?

PFAS stands for Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, also called fluorocarbons and is a collective name for thousands of synthetically produced chemicals with a similar chemical structure. The chemicals are made up of long carbon chains that bind to fluorine and become a highly fluorinating substance. It is this bonding that gives these substances high thermal stability, flame retardance and film-forming properties used as laminates. They are also resistant to water, dirt and oil.

Synthetic production means that they are manufactured artificially via chemical reactions, unlike natural materials that can be extracted from nature. Because of the stable structure, the fluorine-carbon bond is classified as the strongest chemical bond in existence. It is also because of the structure that it does not break down in nature but remains forever, which is why PFAS are often called "forever chemicals". Because the PFAS chemicals are persistent and extremely difficult to break down, they have an extremely negative environmental impact. 

Europe is contaminated by PFAS and emissions can occur during a product's entire life cycle - they can then easily spread into groundwater and drinking water and have been shown to have major negative effects on humans and animals. Among other things, they can lead to several types of cancer, reproductive problems, dysfunction of the immune system and liver and kidney damage - that's why we must all strive to eliminate the use of PFAS in protective clothing and the wider textile industry. 

Since 2021, we have been part of the Swedish non-profit organisation ChemSecs ”No to PFAS” movement to influence how chemical legislation is implemented – very important work that we are proud to be a part of.

Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany have, in 2023, submitted a request for a total ban of PFAS to ECHA (European Chemicals Agency). Tranemo is also behind this initiative.

Where are PFAS used in the workwear industry?

PFAS have been used for many years in the workwear industry – examples are to give fabric a dirt and water repellence as well as a repellent surface for minor splashes of certain chemicals. PFAS are also used for electric arc-certified shell garments to increase flame resistance, arc protection and reach a higher ELIM value.

Fluorocarbon free

Tranemo Workwear develops new and innovative environmentally friendly fabrics and garments that continue to offer the very best in worker protection while at the same time being kinder to the environment. We develop innovative solutions with less environmental impact but without compromising the level of protection.
Reducing the use of PFAS is a priority task for Tranemo and a prerequisite for continuing our work towards a sustainable industry.

Cantex WS is the world’s first fluorocarbon free Flame Retardant & Electric Arc fabric. With our focus and commitment to sustainability and the environment, we set out to find a less harmful solution - and we’re proud to say that fluorocarbon free Cantex WS is a major breakthrough.

Longer life, reduced costs

Cantex WS garments are extremely long lasting and highly resistant to acids and alkaline. Strength values are considerably improved with as much as +200% in wear resistance to the garment. When properly cared for and cleaned, they can offer an extended product lifespan. In turn, this reduces the total cost of ownership, making them a more cost-efficient solution over a longer period.

In time, our goal is to make all Tranemo Workwear ranges with PFAS free fabrics and we are proud to announce we now have five core ranges that are PFAS free.

We all need to keep the dialogue around PFAS in protective clothing alive.

The supply chain should make demands on their suppliers to offer PFAS-free protective clothing for requirements such as flame retardant clothing with arc protection, high visibility clothing, shell and taped winter clothing, protective clothing with chemical protection and even regular non-CE-marked work clothing.

By saying ‘NO TO PFAS’ we can all help to make difference and a positive move towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for us all.

Danny Hemmings is sales advisor at Tranemo Workwear. For more information, visit www.tranemo.co.uk