Supreen liquid barrier fabrics use a silicone-based stain repellent, that is applied following a patented fabric-purification process, that allows for the silicone to fully embed itself into the textiles’ fiber to create an invisible layer silicone-based stain repellent. Supreen fabrics offer elevated performance without sacrificing sustainability.
What are PFAS chemicals?
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), often referred to as Fluorocarbons, are a large, complex group of manufactured chemicals that are ingredients in various everyday products. PFAS molecules have a chain of linked carbon and fluorine atoms. Because the carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest, these chemicals do not degrade easily in the environment.
PFAS are used in a wide range of consumer and industrial products. Some of the most common uses are non-stick cookware, stain and water-repellent clothing, stain-repellent carpeting, performance upholstery textiles, packaging, as well fire extinguishing foam. PFAS are used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, construction, and electronics.
Why Are We Talking About PFAS now?
PFAS chemicals have been commonly used in stain repellant finishes in performance upholstery fabrics. Recently, this group of chemicals has been in the (negative) spotlight because some of them are believed to be harmful to the environment and human health. New and planned regulations will limit the use of PFAS in a variety of products, including performance textiles.
Textile manufacturers are responding by removing PFAS from the product formulation, typically diminishing the efficacy of the stain repellent. Supreen® has always been PFAS free. It was designed with environmental stewardship in mind, and is engineered to withstand stains as well, or better even, than fabrics made with conventional chemistry do.
Why is there concern around PFAS?
Persistence: PFAS are long-lasting chemicals, components of which break down very slowly over time. Due to their persistence in the environment they have become known as ‘Forever Chemicals’.
Exposure: PFAS are used in a wide range of products globally, with many opportunities for human exposure.
Does being PFAS Free mean sacrificing performance?
Typically, yes. Most upholstery textiles, that are conventionally produced, but simply using a PFAS free water-repellent, have proven to be less effective in repelling stains, particularly oil-based ones. That said, there are true performance options available.
Supreen® liquid barrier fabrics use a silicone-based stain repellent, that is applied following a patented fabric-purification process. This enables the silicone to fully embed itself into the fabric’s fiber, creating an invisible layer of protection, that resists stains from the inside out. With Supreen® fabrics there is never a need to sacrifice performance for the sake of sustainability.