The zippers that contain toxic chemicals

YKK, one of the most renowned companies in the production of clothing closure accessories, discovered this. What will this entail? Some brands have already taken significant measures, while others have declared that it's too late to halt the production of items and garments that incorporate zippers. However, the chemical substances were not found within the zippers themselves, but in the coloring paint often used to make them flame and water-resistant. YKK itself detected the presence of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and informed the affected brands it has been supplying for years. This discovery has only been communicated recently, though it originated in the early months of 2023. YKK has also stated that since the beginning of this year, the company has been actively working to eliminate these chemical substances from its supply chain. Chris Gleeson, the Vice President of Global Marketing, stated, «The paint containing PFAS came from multiple suppliers.» The current situation is as follows: Fjällräven did not have time to replace the new zippers with the old ones, and the FW24 collection is already in production with zippers that reportedly contain carcinogenic substances. According to Bloomberg, other companies specializing in outdoor clothing production have also contributed to this matter.

VF Corp, the company that owns - among many brands - The North Face, has stated that no clothing products released on the market this season contain polyfluoroalkyl substances. Ted Manning, a prominent managerial figure at Patagonia, emphasized, «We have achieved success by eliminating these substances from obvious places (fabrics, laminates, and coatings) and are trying to determine if they may be present in other areas.» Brands such as Eddie Bauer, Lululemon, L.L. Bean, and Columbia, on the other hand, have chosen not to comment on the matter. The issue concerning the presence of polyfluoroalkyl substances may sound like a minor obstacle for supply chains, yet it could turn into a major setback for brands that had made a certain type of paint the fortune of some of their garments. Products containing PFA show remarkable durability and resistance, so all brands involved are now forced to reorganise their supply chain in no time - no small challenge, especially considering that laws are being enacted in the US to punish those who use and market toxic chemicals.