ESSENTIAL CHEMICALS & CLEAR REQUIREMENTS

Chemicals are used at various stages of textile manufacturing, including dyeing and fabric treatments. Many of these are processing chemicals that serve a purpose during production but are not intended to remain in the finished garment. Some may also be transformed, broken down or removed during the manufacturing process. This means that the chemicals used in production, and their potential impact on people and the environment, cannot always be identified or assessed by testing the finished product. Checking the final product alone is therefore not enough.

We also need to set clear requirements for which chemicals may be used and how they are handled throughout the value chain. Preventive measures to regulate and control chemical use during manufacturing are essential to protecting the people involved in production and preventing chemical releases into waterways and the surrounding environment. At Blåkläder, we balance the need for performance and protection with the potential impact on people and the environment.

PFAS PHASE-OUT COMPLETED

All PFAS-based surface treatments were phased out from our material production by the end of 2024. Since 2025, no new PFAS have been introduced into our value chain.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of chemicals previously used to make workwear and protective clothing water-, oil-, and dirt-repellent. These treatments have played an important role in garments designed to protect the wearer against harsh weather, oil, grease and certain chemicals. They can also make hi-vis clothing easier to clean, helping to maintain its visibility.

PFAS-free alternatives are available for water repellency, but achieving comparable protection against oils, grease, and solvents remains challenging. At the same time, PFAS are highly persistent in the environment, and several substances within this group can pose risks to human health and the environment. Certain PFAS, including PFOS and PFOA, have long been subject to specific restrictions in the EU.

Blåkläder began replacing PFAS-based surface treatments in 2018 and accelerated the phase-out in 2022 and 2023. By the end of 2024, we had phased out all PFAS-based surface treatments from our material production. Since 2025, PFAS have not been used in the surface treatment of our textiles.

Instead, we use non-PFAS based water-repellent treatments or, where possible, no surface treatment at all. The choice depends on the garment’s intended use, protective properties and expected service life. We aim to minimise the overall impact rather than replace one chemical with another.

Garments and fabrics manufactured using PFAS before the phase-out may still be available and will remain on sale until existing stocks are depleted. These products can offer particularly effective repellency and, in some working environments, a longer service life than comparable PFAS-free alternatives. Allowing existing products to serve their intended purpose also avoids discarding garments that are still fully functional and reduces the need to produce new garments. The important thing is to make the most of what already exists, provided the garment still performs as intended and offers the necessary protection.

A purchase from Blåkläder means that no new PFAS is put into circulation and used in our production, regardless of whether the garment in question has a previous PFAS treatment or not. We continue to develop and evaluate new materials and treatments to provide the best possible protection with the lowest overall impact.

FLAME PROTECTION

Flame-resistant textiles can be produced in two different ways. Treated fabrics use flame-retardant substances, often phosphorus-based compounds, applied to materials such as cotton and other cellulosic fibres. The treatment reduces the likelihood of ignition and limits flame spread. In inherently flame-resistant fabrics, these protective properties are built into the fibres themselves.

Blåkläder offers both options because each has its advantages. Treated cotton-rich fabrics often combine excellent durability with comfort and good value, while inherent materials can offer benefits such as lower weight, flexibility and freedom of movement.

Both types are designed to provide lasting flame protection, even after repeated washing. However, following the garment’s care instructions is essential to maintaining its protective properties. Damage or contamination from substances such as oil and grease can also compromise protection. The choice of material and protection level must always be based on the risks present in the working environment.

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100: TESTED FOR HARMFUL SUBSTANCES

Blåkläder’s range is covered by OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, an independent certification for textiles tested for harmful substances. The standard covers more than 1,000 substances and sets requirements for everything from textile fibres and dyes to buttons, sewing threads and other components of the finished garment. The purpose of OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 is to ensure that materials and components are tested for substances that could affect wearer safety, including allergens, irritants and other harmful chemicals. It is one of the world’s longest-established standards for textile safety.

Requirements vary according to the product’s intended use and the level of contact with the skin. Product Class II, for example, covers textiles worn directly against the skin, while specific requirements apply to the certification of personal protective equipment.

Every material and component is recertified annually, and our certificates are also renewed each year. This ensures that the certification remains up to date. It provides additional reassurance for wearers and forms an important part of Blåkläder’s efforts to limit harmful substances in our products. Details of which products are covered by OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 can be found on the Blåkläder website or on the individual product pages.

RESTRICTED SUBSTANCE LIST

Blåkläder’s Restricted Substance List (RSL) is an important tool in our approach to chemical control. It specifies which chemical substances are prohibited or restricted in our materials and products, together with the applicable concentration limits. These requirements complement European chemical legislation and are stricter than legal requirements.

All our suppliers must comply with applicable chemical legislation, including the EU REACH Regulation, and meet the requirements of Blåkläder’s RSL. The list forms part of the Blåkläder Suppliers Guide and is based in part on RISE Chemicals Guidance, which provides guidance on chemical substances, risks and restrictions within the textile industry.

Blåkläder is also a member of the Chemicals Group at RISE and the Swedish Textile Importers Association. Through the Chemicals Group, we receive support and up-to-date information from chemists and other experts at the RISE research institute. Together with the knowledge shared through the Swedish Textile Importers Association, this helps us stay informed about chemical legislation, research and developments within the textile and leather industries. We use this expertise to develop our chemical requirements and work towards safer materials and products.