Goodbye Forever Chemicals
By Mary Holt
"No finish is the best finish" is a mantra that Carnegie lives by, we believe it is best for the environment. Most stain repellent finishes used in textiles are based on chemistry that contains Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) – which break down in the environment and in the body to Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA). These are among the most persistent synthetic chemicals known to man, and they do not decompose in nature. As more and more research is done about the effects of the entire umbrella class of chemicals known as PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances) to which PFOAs fall under, there is mounting evidence that exposure to any of these chemicals can lead to adverse effects on both the environment and human health.
As a result, finishing formulators have been challenged by companies like Carnegie and the EPA to evaluate new materials that can eliminate PFASs while maintaining performance. Carnegie has always been on the front lines of new environmental technologies, and this is the case with new finishes.
We have previously offered a 'PFOA-free Stain Resistant Finish' on some fabrics. However, going forward we will no longer launch any product with an added stain resistant finish that includes any type of PFAS-based chemical. We feel strongly that this is an important step for both Carnegie and the industry overall.
No finish really is the best finish.