Brussels, 13 October 2025 – EURATEX, the voice of Europe’s textile and clothing industry, calls on the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to conduct a sector-specific evaluation of technical textiles in the ongoing UPFAS restriction process.
ECHA recently added eight new sectors to its background document but decided against separate evaluations for each. EURATEX warns this one-size-fits-all approach risks overlooking the unique functions and uses of technical textiles, leading to unrealistic restrictions for many industrial applications.
Why Technical Textiles Need a Dedicated Assessment
Technical textiles are essential across Europe — from medical and safety equipment to construction materials, geotextiles, filtration media, and defence applications.
Each product serves strict performance and safety standards. A single, horizontal review cannot capture these differences or provide a workable framework for regulation.
EURATEX insists that ECHA should apply the same level of analysis used for 14 other sectors. The evaluation should include clear definitions, tailored guidance, and realistic implementation timelines, especially for SMEs that lack in-house R&D or compliance departments.
What EURATEX Proposes
EURATEX urges ECHA and the European Commission to:
- Carry out a full technical-textile assessment, equal in depth to previous sector studies.
- Clarify boundaries between TULAC and technical textiles, excluding PPE and medical products to avoid overlap.
- Expand the sector list to cover missing categories such as construction, geotextiles, and energy applications.
- Delay inclusion in the restriction scope until a proper evaluation or roadmap is ready.
A Targeted Approach to PFAS
Some PFAS remain essential for technical applications. No safe or effective alternatives currently match their performance in fields like fire protection, filtration, or medical textiles.
EURATEX calls for targeted, science-based rules to prevent emissions rather than blanket bans that could drive production outside Europe.
Working with Policymakers
EURATEX stands ready to support ECHA and the European Commission with data, examples, and practical insight. The goal: create smart, enforceable PFAS rules that protect people and the environment while keeping Europe’s textile industry competitive.