From Runways to Responsibility: France’s Stand Against Toxic Fashion

France is quickly becoming one of the most conscious, fashion-forward countries in the world. Last year, we saw this fashion capital introduce a ban on the advertising and promotion of fast fashion on social media, but this seems to be just the beginning.

As of 1 January this year, France has also passed a law banning the production, sale, and import of clothes, textiles, and even cosmetics containing PFAS chemicals, which give products their waterproof and stain-resistant properties.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are chains of carbon atoms bonded to fluorine. These are some of the strongest bonds in organic chemistry and have many unique properties that are useful when applied to everyday items—for example, water, grease, and oil repellence, heat resistance, and reduced friction.

This is why PFAS are applied to pans to create non-stick cookware, cosmetics to make them smudge-proof and long-lasting, and clothing to make it waterproof and stain resistant—such as sportswear, raincoats, and perhaps even children’s clothing and school uniforms.

If you hadn’t already worked it out from the mention of “poly,” PFAS are synthetic materials designed not to break down easily, making them harmful to both our bodies and the environment.

Each time a PFAS-based item is worn, it can rub off onto the skin and shed into household dust, which we are exposed to daily. As a result, we experience low-level, ongoing exposure to these chemicals, which have been linked to a range of health risks.

Not only do these toxins end up in our homes, but—like other materials containing microplastics—each wash releases more chemicals and microplastics into the environment via waterways. From there, PFAS can be absorbed into soil, contaminate crops, pollute drinking water, and are near-impossible to remove once an area has been exposed.

Furthermore, with today’s consumerist habits of disposing of garments after just 3–5 years of ownership, any clothing containing PFAS that ends up in landfill will not truly decompose—at least not the PFAS chemicals themselves.

This highlights the importance of, firstly, being conscious and circular in our approach to fashion and end-of-life behaviour, and secondly, understanding what goes into our clothing so we can decide whether these properties and side effects are truly worth it.

Now that we understand the negative effects of PFAS, it’s easy to see why France is taking these steps to reduce its environmental footprint.

There are some exceptions to the rule—kitchenware, for example, is considered too beneficial an industry to completely eliminate PFAS usage. However, this has not stopped France from recognising the long-term effects these chemicals can have.

The law also requires regular testing of drinking water to monitor PFAS exposure levels, helping to improve public health outcomes.

France is not the only country taking action. Some PFAS are already banned globally under the Stockholm Convention. Denmark has also introduced a PFAS ban in food packaging—a major source of human exposure—and plans to further restrict their use in clothing and footwear by 2026.

France is setting a shining example of how conscious we should all be about fashion and what goes into it. It’s no secret that synthetic materials are among the most damaging to our planet, particularly in terms of landfill waste and microplastic shedding.

Choosing natural, eco-friendly materials will always be one of the most valuable steps we can take. Minimising how often we wash our clothes and responsibly managing their end-of-life are also crucial actions in building a circular, ecological fashion future.

One thing PFAS definitely are not is carbon-conscious. At The Carbon Closet, we aim to bring mindfulness and responsibility back into our wardrobes.

Our sustainable fashion platform features a vast, curated collection of vegan, ethical, and sustainable pieces. With thousands of options available, there’s something to suit every style and need.

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Because France shouldn’t be the only country with a carbon-conscious closet.