REI announces plan to remove 'forever chemicals' from its products by 2026

By Mike Snider | USA Today | February 23, 2023

Read the full article by Mike Snider (USA Today)

"Outdoor retailer REI wants "forever chemicals" out of the products it sells … forever.

The Seattle-headquartered outdoor gear and clothing seller announced new standards removing these chemicals called PFAS (for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which have been used in making products such as non-stick pans, raincoats, tents, and backpacks.

Notably, all cookware and many textile products – including clothes, backpacks and footwear – sold at REI must be PFAS-free by fall 2024. All textile products must be PFAS-free by fall 2026, the company said Tuesday.

REI's product standards, which the company says are among the first in the retail industry, "demonstrate our collective power to drive change within our industry and society as we work towards a more sustainable and equitable future,” said Chris Speyer, REI's vice president of product, in a statement."

This content provided by the PFAS Project.