Eliminating PFAS at Mustang Survival

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are human-made chemicals used widely since the 1940s in everything from non-stick cookware to shampoo; however, the textile industry represents approximately half the global PFAS emissions. In clothing and PFDs, they provide Durable Water Repellent (DWR), stain-resistant, heat-resistant, and other fabric properties. These properties and their degradation resistance are why PFAS have been popular in marine clothing and safety. However, they have also garnered attention due to their persistence in the environment and potential health impacts.   

Inevitably, PFAS end up in the water system where they bioaccumulate in all organisms, enter the food chain, and are toxic to fish and amphibians in the early development phases. The impacts of bioaccumulation in humans are still being studied, but some are negatively linked to fetal development and child health, as well as certain types of cancer when people are regularly and directly exposed. 

At Mustang Survival, we design our products to give wearers the confidence to live beyond land, including a dedication to sustainability and environmental protection. In order to prioritize the safety of those entrusted with protecting us, certain products may unavoidably contain trace amounts of PFAS due to stringent safety requirements. Nevertheless, we are committed to collaborating closely with our supply chain and material partners to minimize and ultimately eliminate the presence of PFAS in all our products, irrespective of their nature. We acknowledge that the immediate risk to individuals is of utmost importance and recognize the need to strike a balance between this acute concern and the potential long-term health implications.  

We plan for our recreational supply chain to be PFAS-free* by 2025 and to eliminate additive PFAS from all our products by 2030.  

*As of June 2024, an item is considered PFAS-free if it contains less than 100 ppm. Until a validated method for determining the content becomes widely available, AFIRM < https://afirm-group.com/> suggests this amount demonstrates no intentional PFAS use. This amount will decrease further to 50 ppm in 2027.