Sweden to ban 'forever chemicals' in consumer products from 2028 as EU-wide ban stalls
Sweden announced plans to ban per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as 'forever chemicals', in consumer products such as clothing and kitchenware starting in 2028. Environment minister Romina Pourmokhtari stated Sweden will not wait while these chemicals accumulate in homes, nature, and human bodies. The move comes as EU-wide restrictions remain in limbo, despite the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) publishing a scientific opinion in March 2026 recommending broad PFAS restrictions. The ban follows a joint 2023 proposal by Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, and non-EU Norway. ECHA's public consultation received over 5,600 submissions, one of the highest volumes ever, with significant input from chemical corporations and industry groups. Chemical giants including Chemours, 3M, and Solvay, along with trade bodies like Cefic and PlasticsEurope, increased lobbying budgets after the proposal. A final ECHA opinion is expected by end of 2026, after which the European Commission and member states will decide on EU-wide action.
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