#Textile chemistry

2025-03-20

PFAS: TÜV Rheinland expands global testing capabilities

TÜV Rheinland is expanding its testing capacity worldwide to meet the growing global demand for testing services for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The testing services provider has seen demand increase by more than 30 per cent year-on-year. PFAS, a group of more than 10,000 known substances, are used in many industries for their functional properties, including textiles, food packaging, furniture and carpet fabrics, as well as mechanical and automotive engineering. However, their potential risk to the environment and human health is increasingly the focus of regulatory and public attention.

In view of increasing demand for PFAS testing services, TÜV Rheinland is expanding its testing capacities worldwide (photo: TÜV Rheinland).

The chemical ban on PFAS in many countries in the world poses new challenges for manufacturers and retailers and requires a lot of development and testing. Companies that manufacture, trade or import products will need to monitor and reduce PFAS. TÜV Rheinland is helping companies prepare for changes in legislation by providing accurate chemical analysis. "This enables companies to adapt to changes in the legal situation at an early stage, establish responsible action as a quality feature and thus remain competitive," explains Steffen Tümptner, an expert at TÜV Rheinland.

PFAS in industry – further restrictions on the horizon

In the EU, several classes of PFAS are already subject to restrictions, for example under the REACH and POP regulations. In September 2024, EU Regulation 2024/2462 was adopted, which will phase in bans on PFHxA (C6 PFAS) in certain applications over a five-year period. This includes a ban on PFAS in clothing, footwear, paper and board in contact with food and in cosmetics from October 2026. From October 2027, the ban will be extended to other textiles and leather products. European authorities are currently considering further restrictions that could cover more and more PFAS in the long term. The US authorities are also taking far-reaching action to restrict PFAS at the national level. In April 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued nationwide limits for six groups of substances in tap water, making them among the strictest in the world.

Accurate analysis and expert advice from TÜV Rheinland

TÜV Rheinland's testing packages, training and on-site audits provide the tools needed to analyse products, find suitable alternatives and ensure more sustainable production. More information on PFAS for interested parties and companies is available at: www.tuv.com/pfas

Update on DyStar’s transition to full ownership of Zhejiang Longsheng Group

DyStar, a leading specialty chemical company with a heritage of more than a century in product development and innovation, wishes to provide an update on the progress of Share Purchase Agreement signed for the acquisition of 37.57% of the issued share capital of DyStar Global Holdings (Singapore) Pte Ltd.

TEXTILCOLOR AG launches strategic collaboration with Alpex, Majocchi, and Trans-Textil in the field of Pyroshell™ flame protection

TEXTILCOLOR AG, a leading provider of innovative solutions in textile chemistry, today announces the start of a strategic collaboration with Alpex Protection, Majocchi, and Trans-Textil. Starting November 1, 2025, the partners will jointly advance the flame-retardant finishing of textiles using the patented Pyroshell™ technology at production sites in Germany, France, and Italy.

Huntsman and Steitz Secura deliver breakthrough in sustainable safety footwear

Huntsman, in collaboration with Steitz Secura, has developed a breakthrough polyurethane (PU) solution that can help improve the circularity of safety footwear. Together, the two companies have created a DALTOPED® polyurethane midsole system that can incorporate recycled content without compromising performance – setting a new benchmark in protective footwear production.

Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris unveils redesigned show layout for 2026

From February 2 to 4, 2026, Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris will once again bring together all the key players in textiles and clothing at the Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Center. For 3 days, visitors will discover, compare and select among 1,300 suppliers who will shape the collections of tomorrow, from ready-to-wear to luxury.

Lenze receives IEC 62443-4-1 certification: TÜV Rheinland confirms cyber-secure development process

Lenze SE has been certified according to IEC 62443-4-1 since November 2025. TÜV Rheinland thus confirms that Lenze meets the requirements of this internationally recognized standard for a secure development process for industrial automation and drive products. The certification is an important milestone on the way to implementing the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), which will become mandatory for machine manufacturers and their suppliers from December 2027.

Epson future proofs textile printing with Epson Textile Academy 2.0

Technology leader Epson today hosted its second Textile Academy Event at the company’s Textile Innovation Centre in Lutterworth, Leicestershire. Building on the success of its inaugural Textile Academy earlier this year, the event welcomed Textile Design BA students from Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and Loughborough University. The event features workshops designed to enhance student’s practical textile printing skills; corporate and entrepreneurial business acumen; marketing and self-branding; and environmental awareness around the textile industry.

MUNICH FABRIC START: Frank Junker steps down as Creative Director and Shareholder

The organisers of MUNICH FABRIC START Exhibitions GmbH today announced Frank Junker's decision to step down as Creative Director and shareholder of MUNICH FABRIC START Exhibitions GmbH after around 20 years. The long-standing advisor to the international fabric trade show in Munich wishes to devote himself to new entrepreneurial tasks and projects in the event industry.