Eliminating PFAS at Mustang Survival

What Are PFAS?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are human-made chemicals that have been widely used since the 1940s. These chemicals are found in various products, from non-stick cookware to shampoo, but the textile industry is responsible for nearly half of global PFAS emissions. In clothing and personal flotation devices (PFDs), PFAS provide benefits such as Durable Water Repellent (DWR), stain resistance, and heat resistance. While these properties make PFAS desirable in marine clothing and safety gear, their persistence in the environment and potential health risks have raised concerns.

Environmental and Health Impacts

PFAS inevitably enter the water system, where they bioaccumulate in organisms, enter the food chain, and pose toxicity risks to fish and amphibians, particularly in early development stages. While research on the effects of PFAS bioaccumulation in humans is ongoing, some studies suggest negative impacts on fetal development, child health, and potential links to certain types of cancer with prolonged exposure.

Mustang Survival's Commitment to PFAS Elimination

At Mustang Survival, we design our products to empower adventurers to live beyond land while upholding our commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. We recognize the importance of reducing PFAS in our products, especially for those entrusted with safety and protection. While certain safety regulations may necessitate trace amounts of PFAS in some products, we are actively working with our supply chain and material partners to minimize and ultimately eliminate PFAS use across all our offerings. We strive to balance immediate safety concerns with long-term environmental and health considerations.

Our PFAS-Free Roadmap

• By 2025: Our recreational supply chain will be PFAS-free.*
• By 2030: We aim to eliminate additive PFAS from all Mustang Survival products.

*As of June 2024, an item is considered PFAS-free if it contains less than 100 ppm. Until a validated testing method becomes widely available, AFIRM https://afirm-group.com/ recommends this threshold to indicate no intentional PFAS use. This limit will decrease to 50 ppm by 2027.

Next Steps

Mustang Survival remains committed to innovation and sustainability, continuously exploring alternative materials and safer technologies. We will provide ongoing updates on our progress and continue collaborating with industry leaders to ensure a safer future for both people and the planet.