Understanding PFAS in Textiles
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of more than 10,000 synthetic chemicals widely used in the textile industry for their water-, oil-, and stain-repellent properties. These substances are commonly applied to fabrics used in outdoor clothing, performance textiles, carpets, and upholstery to enhance durability and functionality.
PFAS are extremely persistent in both the environment and the human body. Due to their slow degradation, they are often referred to as “forever chemicals.”Growing concerns about their environmental and health impacts have led governments worldwide to introduce PFAS regulations, restrictions, and potential bans in consumer products, including textiles.
For brands, manufacturers, and suppliers, identifying PFAS in materials and ensuring compliance across textile supply chains has become critical for market access and risk management.
Why companies test for PFAS
- Regulatory compliance: Verify compliance with global PFAS regulations, restrictions, and emerging legal requirements.
- Risk mitigation: Detect PFAS contamination and prevent undisclosed substitutions within the supply chain.
- Transparency: Demonstrate responsible chemical management to customers, partners, and regulatory authorities.
- Future readiness: Prepare products for upcoming PFAS bans and evolving regulatory frameworks.
PFAS represent a highly complex group of chemicals. Different analytical approaches are required to address specific technical and regulatory questions. We combine three complementary testing methods to ensure reliable and comprehensive PFAS detection.
Three complementary PFAS testing methods
- Purpose: PFAS indication screening
- Method: EN 17813:2023 – Combustion Ion Chromatography
Best for: - Initial PFAS screening
- Regulatory threshold verification
- Supplier documentation
- Purpose: Quantification of regulated PFAS substances
- Method: EN 17681-1:2025 – LC-MS/MS
Best for: - Regulatory compliance verification
- Brand restricted substance lists
- Market access requirements
- Most advanced PFAS detection method
- Screens for 10,000+ PFAS compounds, including unknown and emerging substances.
- Technology:
LC-HRMS (High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry) with database screening of known PFAS
Best for - Risk assessment
- Supply chain transparency
- Future regulatory readiness
PFAS Testing Suites - Flexible PFAS testing offer
- Single PFAS testing method selected based on specific technical requirements.
Best for: - Targeted investigations
- Customer or audit requirements
- Includes:
- Total Fluorine
- Targeted PFAS
Best for: - Compliance with PFAS regulations
- Market access verification
- Includes:
- Total Fluorine
- Targeted PFAS
- Non-Targeted PFAS
Best for: - Risk mitigation
- Supply chain transparency
- Sustainability leadership
OETI PFAS TESTED Label
- Communicate verified PFAS testing with confidence
- Products that successfully pass testing can carry the OETI PFAS TESTED label, demonstrating verification by an independent textile testing institute.
- The label represents:
- Independent laboratory testing
- Verified PFAS analysis
- Transparent product communication
- Commitment to responsible chemical management
What can be tested?
- PFAS testing can be applied to a wide range of materials, including:
- Textiles and fabrics
- Leather materials
- Chemical formulations
- Polymer materials
- Packaging materials
- Foams and elastomers
- Consumer products
Testing Process
- Step 1 – Sample submission: Customers submit representative product samples.
- Step 2 – Laboratory testing: Samples are analysed using the selected PFAS testing method.
- Step 3 – Test report: A detailed laboratory report confirms the test results.
- Step 4 – PFAS TESTED label: Eligible products can communicate verified PFAS testing. Turnaround time: 20 business days after sample receipt.
Request OETI PFAS TESTED
Take control of PFAS risks in your products. PFAS regulations are evolving rapidly. Comprehensive PFAS testing enables companies to ensure compliance, protect brand reputation, and strengthen trust across the global supply chain.
1Fill out the form
2Submit the form
3We contact you
OETI has been very helpful throughout the whole certification process and has supported us at all levels with the various challenges we faced. We can ask them any questions at any time.
For decades, OETI has certified our curtains and upholstery fabrics according to their flame retardancy and other technical properties. We are delighted with the customer orientation and the service speed.
The use of pollutant-free products and building materials is very important, mainly because the issue of allergens is becoming increasingly crucial for the end user. The CLEANAIR indoor air certification provides general contractors with an additional quality check.
We have been working with OETI for over 30 years. The competence of the OETI Vienna staff is decisive for us when it comes to developing and implementing testing concepts aimed at investigating the causes of defects and damage that have occurred.
Complete satisfaction with OETI for over 15 years: we appreciate the extraordinary know-how, the quick, uncomplicated communication with the entire OETI team and the constant willingness to support us in technical matters.
OETI is a professional testing laboratory with outstanding expertise in carpet testing. We use this know-how to develop new products and improve the performance of existing products.
We equally benefit from OETI’s expertise as well as the strong relationship of trust we have with them. This results in more effective internal processes in production, reliable product quality and advantages in public procurement. In turn, our customers appreciate the certification from a well-known and trusted certification body.
OETI tests and certifies our protective gloves for fire brigades and the industrial sector. We appreciate the unbureaucratic processing and benefit from the employees’ PPE know-how.
We have been working with OETI for over 20 years. We appreciate the global acceptance of OETI certificates. We are very impressed with the fact that OETI has never been questioned regarding standard-compliant testing, expertise and neutrality.
The collaboration with OETI is distinguished by fast and professional handling of the testing and certification orders. The technical competence in issues related to standards has given us an excellent overview over the last 20 years.gegeben.