PFAS‑Free Gloves: What It Means, Why It Matters, and How to Verify

Ask GIA™ Blog

Glove Intelligent Assistant
12.04.2025

Across regulated industries, “PFAS‑free” is becoming a non‑negotiable requirement for materials that contact products, people, or processes. This article explains PFAS in plain terms, outlines the current regulatory landscape, and clarifies what credible PFAS‑free glove claims look like, so EHS, QA, and Procurement teams can make confident choices.

Understanding PFAS

Per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large class of man‑made chemicals valued for oil‑, water‑, and stain‑resistance. They are persistent in the environment, and some members of this class have been linked to adverse health outcomes. Because PFAS appear across thousands of products, the safest approach for contact materials is to avoid them at the source.

Why this matters now

PFAS are often referred to as ‘FOREVER CHEMICALS’ because they are highly resistant to biological degradation. They do not metabolize easily and undergo very limited bioconversion, yet they have the ability to persist and accumulate in the environment and living organisms over time.

Regulatory momentum is accelerating globally. Drinking‑water limits, hazardous designations for specific PFAS, and broad restriction proposals in the EU are reshaping supply chains. Buyers increasingly expect documentation proving that contact materials gloves included, are free from intentionally added PFAS and below reporting limits for targeted analytes.

How we substantiate “PFAS‑Free”

A credible PFAS‑free claim should be simple to verify: – Targeted third‑party testing: Independent LC‑MS/MS panel with results < reporting limit (RL) for defined PFAS analytes. - Supplier declaration & change control: Signed statement of no intentionally added PFAS with a commitment to notify on any material/process change. What PFAS‑Free protects you from (at a glance)

Human health risks

Specific issue Impact description Messaging to use
Cancer risk 1 Linked to kidney, testicular, liver, and pancreatic cancers. PFAS-Free for safer hands and health.
Hormonal disruption 2 Affects the reproductive and thyroid systems. Formulated without hormone-disrupting chemicals.
Immune system suppression 3 Reduces resistance to infections. Trusted for immune-sensitive settings.
Developmental effects 3 Impacts fetal growth and child development. Safe for high-sensitivity environments (lab, healthcare, childcare).
Liver & metabolic disorders 4 Raises cholesterol; affects metabolic health. Cleaner chemistry for every touch.

Environmental issues

Specific issue Impact description Messaging to use
Persistence (“forever chemicals”) Do not readily degrade; accumulate in soil and water. Eco-safe, future-friendly: PFAS-Free.
Water contamination Pollutes groundwater and drinking water. Protects people and planet, with no PFAS water risk.
Bioaccumulation in wildlife Disrupts ecosystems and species health. Zero PFAS = zero long-term biohazards.

Regulatory & customer context

Specific issue Impact description Messaging to use
Global restrictions Accelerating actions by EPA (US), ECHA (EU), and others. Globally compliant, tested & certified PFAS-Free.
Product compliance pressure Food, pharma, and aerospace increasingly reject PFAS-containing contact materials. Ready for the most regulated industries.
Occupational safety concerns Workplace exposure is under scrutiny. Workplace safety starts with PFAS-Free assurance.
Green procurement eligibility ESG-aligned buyers avoid PFAS. Ideal for ESG-compliant procurement programs.
Relevance to glove demanding applications PFAS residues can disrupt sensitive workflows. Certified free of PFAS residues on sensitive applications.
Demand for alternatives Many teams are actively switching. Premium protection without the PFAS burden.

Where this pays off (industry snapshots)

  • Food processing & handling — Reduces risk of chemical migration into food and supports evolving food-contact policies and audits.
  • Pharma, biotech & cleanrooms — Minimizes PFAS residues that could interfere with sensitive analyses or sterile prep; smoother supplier approvals.
  • Healthcare & neonatal care — Lowers potential exposure for vulnerable populations and staff; aligns with hospital sustainability and safety goals.
  • Environmental & analytical labs — Limits background contamination that can skew trace-level measurements, especially water-quality analysis.

Outcomes you can measure

  • Safer operations through reduced exposure to persistent chemicals of concern.
  • Process integrity with fewer contamination-related deviations, rework, or batch rejects.
  • Audit-ready compliance thanks to REACH-aligned test reports and clear declarations.
  • ESG progress you can document by removing a high-profile class of chemicals from daily operations.

Commitment to chemical stewardship

PFAS-free gloves are one part of a broader material-stewardship approach: testing beyond the minimum,
publishing clear documentation, and designing out chemicals of concern wherever feasible.
That’s how teams protect people, products, and the planet—without compromising productivity.

Learn More

About SW Sustainability Solutions

At SW, we are committed to leading the glove industry in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. Our innovative EcoTek® technology exemplifies our dedication to sustainable solutions, while our expertise in sweat management ensures comfort and performance. We also offer specialized chemical compatibility support, assisting customers in selecting gloves tailored to their unique needs. Our mission is to provide products that prioritize safety, health, and environmental responsibility for our customers and the planet

References

  1. Seyyedsalehi, M. S., & Boffetta, P. (2023). Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure and risk of kidney, liver, and testicular cancers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicina del Lavoro. Advance online publication. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37878255/
  2. Li, L., et al. (2024). Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and reproductive toxicity: Neuroendocrine disruption and increased risk of reproductive diseases. Science of the Total Environment.
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935123023575
  3. Fenton, S. E., et al. (2020). Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance toxicity and human health — A review. Environmental Health Perspectives, 128(8).
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7906952/
  4. Mišľanová, C., et al. (2025). Health impacts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): Lipid disorders, metabolic, and organ effects. Life, 15(4), 573.
    https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/4/573
  5. SW Sustainability Solutions. (2025). Fluoroalkyl-substances not present in product structure or formula.
    https://swssglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SWSS-products-_Fluoroalkyl-Substances-resdiue-analysis_-declaration-report_2024.pdf