Industry and academia explore sustainable alternatives to PFAS-based textile finishes

A recent review examines the transition from PFAS-based water-repellent technologies to fluorine-free alternatives in the textile industry. The study highlights performance comparisons, environmental considerations, and emerging innovations supporting sustainable textile finishing.

Water-repellent finishing plays a critical role in enhancing textile performance, particularly in applications requiring resistance to moisture. However, the widespread use of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-based repellents has raised environmental concerns due to their persistence and tendency to bioaccumulate.

The review outlines the ongoing shift towards fluorine-free water-repellent technologies, driven by increasing regulatory pressure and the need for environmentally responsible solutions. These alternatives replace traditional fluorocarbon chains with long-chain alkyl groups and are broadly classified into four categories: polyacrylate-based, organosilicon-based, polyurethane-based, and dendritic polymer-based systems.

In addition to material innovations, advanced techniques such as nanotechnology and plasma treatments are being explored to improve water-repellent performance. The study compares fluorine-containing and fluorine-free systems in terms of efficiency, cost implications, and environmental impact, providing a comprehensive view of current developments in the field.

The review also highlights future directions for textile finishing technologies. These include the integration of bionic surface structures, the use of bio-based materials, and the development of multifunctional finishes that combine water repellency with additional properties.

Collaboration between industry and academic institutions is identified as a key factor in accelerating the development and adoption of these technologies. Such partnerships are expected to support innovation while addressing global sustainability targets.

Overall, the findings offer insights for researchers, manufacturers, and policymakers as the textile sector continues its transition towards environmentally sustainable water-repellent solutions.

Source: European Coatings (adapted)
Reference: Zhang, H. et al., Progress of fluorine-free water repellents for textiles: A comprehensive review from industry and academia, Progress in Organic Coatings, 213, 109948 (2026).