France Leads the Cost on PFAS Ban
France has taken a daring step to get rid of “perpetually chemical substances,” setting an instance in environmental management. The Eiffel Tower stands tall as an emblem of France’s dedication.
France has enacted one of many world’s most bold bans on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in on a regular basis merchandise [1]. These so-called “perpetually chemical substances” are infamous for resisting pure breakdown and have been linked to critical well being dangers resembling most cancers, immune system disruption, and decreased fertility [2]. Beginning January 1, 2026, the manufacture, import, and sale of a variety of PFAS-containing items – together with cosmetics, textiles and footwear, and even ski wax – can be outlawed in France [3]. Just a few important makes use of (like protecting gear for firefighters and emergency responders) are exempted for now [4], reflecting France’s intent to get rid of non-essential PFAS use in shopper gadgets.
This sweeping regulation was pushed by robust public and political help. Championed by Inexperienced Social gathering MP Nicolas Thierry after a residents’ petition, the PFAS ban sailed by way of France’s parliament with a vote of 231–51 in favor [5]. Environmental advocates are celebrating the victory – noting that “France is likely one of the first nations to behave on what’s each a public well being and an environmental disaster, and it needs to be applauded.” [6] Certainly, France’s proactive stance exhibits it’s placing well being and planet first by focusing on PFAS air pollution at its supply. The regulation even imposes a air pollution tax on PFAS emissions and mandates common PFAS monitoring in ingesting water [7][8], additional underlining France’s management in tackling these persistent chemical substances.
What precisely is banned? In brief, lots. From 2026, any cosmetics, attire (clothes and footwear), or ski wax containing PFAS can’t be produced or offered in France [3]. Meaning no extra PFAS-laden waterproof mascaras or stain-resistant pants on French retailer cabinets. And the regulation doesn’t cease there – by 2030, it’s going to prolong to all textiles handled with PFAS [3], primarily phasing out PFAS in materials (with solely slim exceptions for crucial security gear). Initially, lawmakers even thought of banning PFAS-based non-stick cookware (like Teflon pans) as a part of this invoice. Nonetheless, after heavy business lobbying – notably by the maker of Tefal pans – the cookware provision was faraway from the ultimate regulation [9]. Even with out the cookware ban, France’s PFAS regulation covers a formidable vary of merchandise, hanging at main sources of each day PFAS publicity. It’s a landmark transfer that has impressed satisfaction and hope: France is proving that it’s attainable to take away poisonous PFAS from shopper items and shield individuals and the setting in a single daring go.
Australia’s PFAS Hole: Why No Ban But?
Whereas we cheer France’s progress, it raises the query: what about Australia? Sadly, Australia has taken a much more cautious (some would possibly say lagging) method to PFAS. In contrast to France’s broad ban, Australia presently has no complete restrictions on PFAS in shopper merchandise. The truth is, the one PFAS-specific regulation so far is a latest slim ban on simply three compounds – PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS – which took impact in July 2025 [10]. This targets 3 out of an estimated 14,000 PFAS chemical substances, barely scratching the floor of the difficulty [10]. The overwhelming majority of PFAS varieties stay utterly unregulated in Australian manufacturing and imports. By comparability, the European Union is getting ready to part out all PFAS by 2030 as a category [11], emphasizing how far behind Australia is in addressing these “perpetually” toxins.
Australian authorities are more and more conscious of the PFAS downside, however motion has been gradual. A 2025 federal inquiry into PFAS beneficial establishing a nationwide PFAS watchdog, setting strict ingesting water requirements, and even banning PFAS in private care merchandise like cosmetics [12]. But, as of at present, none of those suggestions have was regulation. There isn’t even a requirement for product labeling or disclosure when gadgets include PFAS. The buyer watchdog (ACCC) does not presently take a look at or monitor PFAS in merchandise [13], so Australian customers are largely in the dead of night. This regulatory hole implies that many on a regular basis gadgets on Australian cabinets nonetheless quietly include PFAS chemical substances – a stark distinction to the state of affairs France is quickly shifting towards.
PFAS in Aussie Merchandise – Hiding in Plain Sight: It’s alarming however true that with out a ban, PFAS are nonetheless widespread in frequent merchandise in Australia. For instance:
- Cosmetics & Physique Care: Lengthy-wear and waterproof make-up usually owe their endurance to PFAS-based elements. Every thing from sure mascaras and eyeliners to foundations and lotions can include PFAS to make them slick or long-lasting – and there’s no rule in opposition to it right here[13]. Meaning Australian shoppers would possibly unknowingly be making use of PFAS to their pores and skin each day.
- Clothes & Outside Gear: Many waterproof or stain-resistant materials depend on PFAS coatings. Consider your rain jackets, out of doors activewear, and even stain-proof faculty uniforms – likelihood is, those who repel water or oil are handled with PFAS [14]. In France, such PFAS-treated textiles are on borrowed time, however in Australia you should purchase and put on them with none warning.
- Non-Stick Cookware: The handy non-stick frying pans and baking trays widespread in kitchens are usually coated with PTFE (Teflon), which is a PFAS polymer. France’s lawmakers wished to curb this, however in Australia Teflon pans are nonetheless offered all over the place, that means PFAS can leach or launch fumes at excessive warmth on our stoves [14]. With out regulation, it’s as much as shoppers to determine if a non-stick omelette is definitely worth the PFAS publicity.
- Meals Packaging: That burger wrapper or the paper lining in your meat pie field may be hiding PFAS. Grease-proof fast-food wrappers, takeaway containers, and a few baking papers are sometimes handled with PFAS to withstand oil and moisture [14]. In Denmark and France, such makes use of are being banned or phased out, however in Australia we’re nonetheless inadvertently tossing PFAS-laced packaging into our meals and setting.
The hole is obvious: Australia lacks the sturdy motion that France and another nations are taking. Australian shoppers are left counting on voluntary business measures or their very own vigilance to keep away from PFAS. It’s a state of affairs that requires constructive criticism – to not knock Australia down, however to induce our regulators to choose up the tempo. Yearly of delay means extra PFAS accumulating in our surroundings and our our bodies, given these chemical substances don’t break down. Australia’s cautious, case-by-case method is more and more out of step with world strikes towards sweeping bans within the curiosity of public well being [15]. We’ve got a chance to study from France’s instance and shield Australians from unnecessary PFAS publicity in each day life. Why wait?
A PFAS-Free Future: Pure Hemp Options for Physique, Clothes & Meals
Hemp-based merchandise – from natural skincare to sustainable materials – provide PFAS-free options for health-conscious shoppers.
The excellent news is that we don’t have to take a seat round for brand new legal guidelines to start out making safer decisions. Pure options are already right here, and our model is proud to be a part of the answer. We consider in harnessing the ability of vegetation – particularly hemp, one of many earth’s most sustainable and versatile crops – to create merchandise that preserve you wholesome and glad with none PFAS or different poisonous components. It’s time to embrace a PFAS-free way of life, and it’s simpler than you would possibly assume.
- Pure Physique Care: Ditch the “perpetually chemical substances” in your each day routine by switching to all-natural, hemp-infused physique care merchandise. Our vary of hemp-based soaps, lotions, and cosmetics incorporates zero PFAS (and no nasty synthetics), so you’ll be able to pamper your pores and skin with full peace of thoughts. Plant oils and botanical elements present all of the efficiency – moisturising, waterproofing, longevity – with out the necessity for fluorinated chemical substances. Your pores and skin will thanks, and so will the planet!
- Hemp Clothes: As a substitute of carrying PFAS-coated materials, select clothes comprised of pure fibers. We provide hemp clothes that’s comfy, breathable, and sturdy – no chemical coatings wanted. Hemp material is of course proof against UV rays and wears in, not out, supplying you with long-lasting high quality with none “stain-proof” poisonous remedy. From on a regular basis shirts to outdoor-friendly hemp blends, you’ll be able to keep fashionable and even courageous the weather whereas protecting your wardrobe 100% PFAS-free.
- Kitchen & Meals Necessities: You don’t want Teflon or PFAS to prepare dinner and retailer meals safely. Go for PFAS-free cookware and packaging together with natural meals. For instance, forged iron or ceramic pans present non-toxic non-stick surfaces, and our hemp-based meals wraps and storage baggage provide a sustainable, plastic-free strategy to preserve your meals recent. We additionally curate hemp-derived superfoods and pantry gadgets that are available eco-friendly packaging, guaranteeing that what you eat is as pure as nature supposed. By selecting pure supplies and PFAS-free merchandise in your kitchen, you’re defending your loved ones’s well being with each meal.
From France’s daring motion to your house, the message is obvious: we can dwell safely and properly with out PFAS chemical substances. It begins by demanding change on the coverage degree and likewise by making aware decisions within the merchandise we purchase. France has proven true management by banning PFAS in shopper items – a transfer we rejoice and hope to see echoed in Australia quickly. Within the meantime, every of us can shut the hole by supporting PFAS-free, sustainable options. Each hemp shirt you put on, each pure beauty you apply, and each meal you pack in a non-toxic container is a step towards a more healthy future.
Let’s comply with France’s lead from the bottom up: reject the poisonous established order and select nature’s approach ahead. Our model is devoted to supplying you with that selection – with hemp-powered physique care, clothes, and meals merchandise that show we by no means wanted these “perpetually chemical substances” to start with. Collectively, we are able to push Australia to affix the PFAS-free motion. Till then, we’ll be right here, crafting and championing protected, earth-friendly merchandise that put your well being and our planet first. Right here’s to a future the place PFAS bans gained’t even be essential – as a result of we’ll all be residing fortunately PFAS-free!
Sources: France’s PFAS ban particulars [3][4]; Australia’s PFAS stance [10][15]; PFAS in merchandise [14][13].
France passes regulation to ban PFAS from 2026 | Aquatech
France bans PFAS in textiles per 2026
France adopts ban on PFAS in shopper merchandise
PFAS Regulation in France: Key Measures of Invoice No. 2229
French ban on PFAS in cosmetics and garments takes impact – World Bio Market Insights
Australia weighs broader PFAS ban as Europe pushes for full chemical phase-out – EHN
