Fashion for Good Launches Project DW(O)R-X to Benchmark PFAS-Free Finishing Alternatives
Fashion for Good has launched Project DW(O)R-X, a collaborative initiative designed to address the growing need for alternatives to PFAS-based durable water- and oil-repellent (DW(O)R) finishes in fashion. While PFAS have historically been used to provide water and oil repellency, their persistence and potential environmental and health impacts have accelerated efforts to identify alternative chemistries.
However, many alternatives currently struggle to match the performance and durability of PFAS-based finishes, while inconsistent testing methods and outdated benchmarks make it difficult for brands and manufacturers to compare solutions. The project therefore aims to establish more relevant data and benchmarks to support the industry’s transition to safer chemistry while reducing the risk of regrettable substitution.
Project DW(O)R-X will benchmark nine PFAS alternative solutions, spanning early-stage innovations and established chemistries, across three dimensions: performance, environmental impact and cost. Partners have developed a performance framework incorporating multi-condition testing and stains representative of real-world sportswear and outerwear use, including soil, sunscreen and sweat, with testing conducted by SGS. The initiative brings together brands including adidas and C&A, manufacturing partners and technology providers across the value chain.
By generating comparable evidence on performance, impacts and cost, Fashion for Good aims to give brands and mills a practical reference for sourcing and decision-making, while helping chemical companies substantiate performance claims and accelerate the adoption of more responsible alternatives at scale.
