Global non-profit Green Seal^® recently announced a prohibition on any per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Green Seal-certified paints and coatings, floor care products, adhesives, and degreasers. The organization stated that the prohibition is in line with the ecolabel’s commitment to eliminate these harmful “forever chemicals” from the supply chain for consumer products.   

Green Seal is reportedly among the first eco-certifiers to enact an aggressive ingredient prohibition that addresses PFAS as an entire chemical class. Mirroring the definition used in the majority of U.S. state-level PFAS bans, the non-profit defines PFAS as a chemical with one or more fully fluorinated carbon atoms – the most expansive definition, encompassing more than 14,000 chemicals.  

The organization will now verify that certified paints and other building restoration products are formulated without any PFAS, putting participating brands in a leadership position on this toxic chemical and protecting companies against greenwashing by substantiating their sustainability claims. The update to building restoration product criteria follows a similar update to Green Seal’s criteria for cleaning and personal care products.   

“Both producers and buyers know the hazards of PFAS but lack reliable ways to ensure products are formulated without these toxic chemicals,” said Doug Gatlin, CEO of Green Seal. “Green Seal’s standard criteria eliminate PFAS from the product formula while maintaining performance requirements, so buyers can confidently choose safer and more sustainable products.”  

PFAS frequently are used as functional ingredients in building restoration products. A recent study found that half of tested paint products contain PFAS, which may be used for glossiness, to reduce peeling, or for stain resistance or water repellency. Most acrylic and wax floor finishes on the market contain PFAS as leveling and wetting agents, and PFAS are also used to increase wettability in adhesives.  

Learn more about Green Seal at www.greenseal.org.