H&M ban on PFCs since three years
It is now high season for winter clothing and all H&M customers should feel confident that H&M do not use Perfluorinated Compounds in any of our apparel, accessories and footwear. Already in 2009 we decided to phase out PFCs in our assortment and for three years we have had a total ban of PFCs within the H&M Group.
Recently a test for PFCs was conducted by the Danish consumer council Tænk, where several mittens from different brands were tested. The mittens from H&M were the only ones that did not contain PFCs and we are happy to see that the test verifies our own restrictions.
PFCs are used to achieve a water repellent function but are harmful for the environment and for aquatic organisms. H&M limits the use of chemicals that are potentially harmful to the health or the environment with the help of our Chemical Restrictions, To ensure compliance with these we perform regular tests which are carried out in third party laboratories. Annually, around 40,000 such tests are conducted. Our Chemical Restrictions are continuously updated and now cover more than 360 substances. H&M is committed to eliminating the use of hazardous chemicals and to achieving zero discharge of such substances from the production of all our products by 2020 at the latest.
The alternatives to PFCs used by H&M are all approved by chemical specialists. One of them, Bionic Finish Eco, was the first one we introduced on children’s wear already 2010. All alternatives have good environmental and health properties. However, it is important to take care of your products to get the best and most long-lasting performance by;
- Select a low washing temperature.
- Use a small amount of detergent and select an extra rinse if possible. The detergent counteracts with the function and an extra rinse is therefore advised to make sure that there is no detergent left on the fabric.
- Do not use softeners.
- For optimal performance, re-activate the finish through tumble drying or iron the garment without any steam.
Always follow the care instructions on the garment label. See more at www.clevercare.info.
For more information and H&M’s Chemical Restriction List please see www.hm.com/chemicals.