PFAS in Textiles and Water: What the EU’s 2026 Regulations Mean for You
As awareness and concern continues to grow over PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) companies in the textile and water sectors are preparing for major changes. These chemicals, known for their water- and stain-resistant properties, are under increasing scrutiny due to their persistence in the environment and potential impact on human health.
Starting in January 2026, the European Union will enforce new limits on PFAS levels in drinking water. For industries that rely on these substances (particularly textiles) this marks a turning point in how products are made and how environmental risks are managed.
What Are PFAS, and Why Are They Being Regulated?
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals used in a wide range of products, from outdoor gear to non-stick items to food packaging. Their durability makes them effective but also difficult to remove from the environment because they don’t easily break down, PFAS can accumulate in soil, water, and even the human body. Research has linked certain PFAS to health risks, prompting regulators to take action.
Up to now, PFAS monitoring in Europe has largely lacked enforceable limits. That’s about to change.
New PFAS Limits in Drinking Water: What’s Coming in 2026
Under the updated EU Drinking Water Directive, all EU Member States will be required to begin monitoring and enforcing the following PFAS limits by January 2026:
- 0.1 µg/L for the combined total of 20 specified PFAS
- 0.5 µg/L for total PFAS, including unlisted compounds
These limits are intended to reduce exposure through drinking water and push industries to adopt safer chemical practices.
What Textile Brands Need to Know
Textile companies, especially those producing water-repellent or technical fabrics, will need to take a close look at PFAS use across their supply chains. New analytical methods, such as EN 17681-1:2025, enable labs to detect both free and polymer-bound PFAS in treated textiles. Traditional spot tests may overlook bound or hidden forms of PFAS, which can create gaps in compliance.
As a result, brands are increasingly turning to advanced testing methods like Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) and broad-spectrum PFAS screening to get a more accurate picture of their PFAS footprint.
With tightening rules under EU REACH and international agreements like the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Convention, transparency and proactive testing are becoming essential.
How Eurofins Environment Testing Ireland Can Help:
At Eurofins Environment Testing Ireland, we understand that PFAS analysis requires absolute precision—not just in the laboratory, but from the moment a sample is taken. One of our key differentiators is our PFAS-Free Sampling Protocol, designed to eliminate cross-contamination risks and ensure the highest integrity of results.
We support both textile manufacturers and water service providers in navigating the changing regulatory landscape.
Water Providers and Industry:
- Monitoring programs aligned with the 2026 EU drinking water standards
- Detection and quantification of both total PFAS and specific regulated compounds
- Expert interpretation and guidance for utilities, regulators, and commercial operators
- Access to advanced testing and expertise through the Eurofins PFAS Centre of Excellence in Sweden
Your Next Steps
With the 2026 deadline fast approaching, now is the time to prepare. Whether you're managing environmental compliance, product development, or public health outcomes, early testing and assessment are key to staying ahead of regulations.
Explore our PFAS testing solutions: https://www.eurofins.ie/environmental-services/pfas-and-emerging-contaminants/
Learn more about the EU drinking water policy: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/drinking-water_en