Glove Intelligent Assistant
04.24.2026
In previous ASK GIA blogs we’ve detailed the existence of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). They are a group of manufactured chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s because of their useful properties. The molecules include chains of carbon and fluorine atoms, and thus contain carbon-fluorine bonds. Carbon-fluorine bonds are one of the strongest single bonds, making them hard to degrade. However not all PFAS are composed the same as they make up a group of over 15000 chemicals. Not including different chemicals, but PFAS and their probability of contamination vary depending on the physical states they are found in (solid, liquid, or gas) as well ¹.
Some PFAS, typically those chemicals composed of small molecules, have been linked to health concerns and have been detected in drinking water and other parts of our environment. The PFAS used as components in medical devices are different. Many medical devices rely on plastic materials composed of large molecules (known as fluoropolymers), which are part of the PFAS family and have been safely used for decades².
Last week we discussed how in April 2024, EPA established enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) or national drinking water standards for six PFAS chemicals under the PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR)³. The EPA has been aware of this issue and has been phasing out PFAS in consumer products. The latest EN 17681-1:2022 and EN 17681- 2:2022 standards are also testing for presence of PFAS in glove materials. The EU is moving toward a near-total PFAS ban under REACH 2.0 too ⁴.
While US Federal legislation has been focused on PFAS contamination via water and food plastics, various states have already begun rolling out stricter regulations in other industries as well ⁵. In 2018 Washington prohibited the discharge of PFAS-containing firefighting foams, and further limited the manufacture, sale, and distribution of them in 2020. In 2025, Maine and Minnesota restricted intentionally added PFAS in all products across various industries. All production houses that need to include PFAS in their manufacturing process must report to environmental legislative bodies. California has taken a category-specific approach to PFAS regulation, restricting use in food packaging (AB 1200, 2023), juvenile products (AB 652, 2023), and textiles and cosmetics (AB 1817 and AB 2771, 2025), while also requiring disclosure for certain products like cookware. More recently, AB 347 establishes a broader framework for product registration and compliance through 2030, signaling continued expansion of PFAS oversight.
These legislations will only narrow as federal and global governing bodies outline more PFAS guidelines. The challenge is that while there haven’t been explicit federal product bans, individual state regulations create supply chain difficulty as well as compliance difficulty. SW is monitoring the landscape carefully. We are dedicated to remaining in compliance with current legislation to guarantee the health and safety of our customers. We care about the health of our customers and thus it is vitally important that our gloves do not contain harmful materials that would impact the personal health of our customers. Our business focuses on reinforcing safety with advanced scientific testing. SW also carries PFAS-free single use gloves so our consumers can have ease of mind.
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.