PFAS: A Scourge for the Environment and Health

PFAS: A Scourge for the Environment and Health

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous in many consumer products. These chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” have become widespread in our daily lives due to their exceptional properties: waterproofing, non-stick, and heat resistance. They are commonly used in various fields such as textiles, food packaging, non-stick coatings, cosmetics, and medical devices. In cosmetics, for example, their presence provides sought-after waterproof properties.

However, this massive use, coupled with their persistence in the environment, has led to widespread pollution affecting all environments: water, air, soil, and sediments. Some PFAS accumulate in living organisms, plants, and animals, and end up in the food chain, posing a risk to human health and ecosystems. This persistence continues to be found in our everyday products.

Certifications as a Benchmark for Consumers

Given these challenges, it is crucial to limit the use of PFAS. At Ecocert Canada, we have chosen to exclude them from our cosmetic and textile certifications to ensure safer and more environmentally friendly products. For cosmetic products, the COSMOS certification strictly prohibits the use of PFAS. Each ingredient in the product formulation is subject to meticulous documentary verification. Additionally, a mandatory audit of the manufacturing sites is carried out, and the entire production chain is inspected. This standard also imposes restrictions on substances and manufacturing processes by applying the precautionary principle, prohibiting certain chemical processes, and setting criteria for biodegradability and non-bioaccumulation.

In the textile sector, standards such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and ERTS (Ecological and Recycled Textile Standard) impose strict requirements not only on the use of chemicals in production but also on residual substances present in the finished product. Thus, laboratory analyses are conducted on samples to identify any presence of non-compliant substances, including PFAS. Regarding Textile Exchange certifications, the GRS (Global Recycled Standard) imposes specific restrictions on the use of certain chemicals. It aligns with the requirements of ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) and its MRSL (Manufacturing Restricted Substances List) version 3.0, which also prohibit the use of PFAS in chemical inputs used in production. This global initiative aims to eliminate hazardous chemicals in the textile, leather, and footwear industries. To ensure compliance with the requirements, on-site audits and documentary verifications are carried out to ensure that raw materials and manufacturing processes meet the standards.

The Relevance of Certifications Selected by Ecocert Canada

The certifications issued by Ecocert Canada in the cosmetic and textile sectors are more relevant than ever in a context where PFAS are widely used in many products. Our high standards and certification techniques guarantee PFAS-free products, as they are prohibited during production, offering a safe and sustainable alternative to consumers. By choosing cosmetic or textile products certified by Ecocert Canada, you are contributing to a healthier and more environmentally friendly future.

To know more about the certifications Ecocert Canada issues, click here.