Summary

Researchers at Empa are developing plasma technology together with Swiss textile manufacturers to produce PFAS-free functional clothing. The EC0Tex project uses an innovative plasma coating system to apply fluorine-free substances precisely to textile yarns. The process was awarded the Innovation Award at the Techtextil trade fair in Frankfurt. The focus is on the principle of "Safe and Sustainable by Design" (SSbD) to avoid regrettable substitutes.

People

  • Dirk Hegemann (Empa researcher, Advanced Fibers Lab)
  • Martin Amberg (Empa researcher)
  • Patrick Rupper (Empa researcher)

Topics

  • PFAS alternatives in textiles
  • Plasma technology and materials science
  • Sustainable chemical regulation
  • Swiss textile industry

Clarus Lead

The search for PFAS alternatives is becoming a key issue for the European textile industry as regulatory pressure and environmental concerns increase. The Empa solution addresses a central dilemma: previous substitute materials required larger quantities, thus jeopardizing economic viability and sustainability. With the new plasma technology, coatings can be applied many times thinner – a breakthrough for the industrial implementation of the SSbD approach.

Detailed Summary

The challenge lies in the unique properties of PFAS: these forever chemicals are water-, dirt-, and grease-repellent, but are difficult to replace. Conventional impregnation processes would require PFAS-free alternatives in such large quantities that cost efficiency and ecological balance would collapse.

The Empa solution uses plasma-induced coating: electrical gas discharge in a chamber generates plasma with high energy at low temperature. The chemicals vaporize and form reactive species that attach to individual fibers. The innovation lies in the fact that the new system generates differently reactive species that penetrate deep into the yarn structure – not just superficially as in previous processes. The result: penetrating, durable coatings with minimal chemical input.

As a PFAS alternative, researchers are investigating silicone-organic compounds. Initial results show highly cross-linked layers with superior water repellency and quick-drying properties. Still open is grease and dirt repellency – a requirement for protective work clothing. However, the broad class of siloxanes offers numerous optimization possibilities. The project emerged from the Subitex network, a long-standing collaboration between Swiss Textiles and Empa. Industrial partners are Bäumlin & Ernst AG, Lothos KLG, and Seilfabrik Ullmann AG. Innosuisse is funding the initiative.

Key Statements

  • Plasma technology enables PFAS-free impregnation with 90% less chemical use
  • Silicone-organic compounds show superior water-repellent properties
  • SSbD approach prevents replacing one problem with another (regrettable substitutes)
  • Industrial scaling by Swiss textile manufacturers already in planning

Critical Questions

  1. Source Validity: How were the performance data of the silicone-organic coatings measured, and which testing standards (ISO, EN) were applied?

  2. Environmental Exposure: What long-term studies on environmental persistence are available – particularly regarding abrasion and washing of treated textiles?

  3. Scalability: How long will the path from laboratory prototype to series production take, and what investments are required?

  4. Regrettable Substitutes: By what criteria is the safety of siloxanes assessed, and who bears responsibility if problems are discovered later?

  5. Market Acceptance: Will PFAS-free textiles lead to higher costs, and how will price competition with PFAS-containing products be addressed?

  6. Regulatory Framework: Are the new coatings already considered in planned PFAS bans (e.g., EU strategy)?

References

Primary Source: PFAS Alternatives for Textiles and Functional Clothing – Empa Press Release

Supplementary Sources:

  1. Hegemann, D., Southam, A., Heuberger, M., Navascués, P. (2026). Potential and Challenges to Replace PFAS Coatings Considering Safe and Sustainable by Design Aspects. Plasma Processes and Polymers. https://doi.org/10.1002/ppap.70125
  2. Empa Academy: Technology Briefing "Safe and Sustainable by Design" (June 25, 2026, Dübendorf)

Verification Status: ✓ 12.05.2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Check: 12.05.2026