PFAS Free School Uniform
With recent news articles warning of the inclusion of PFAS in school uniform, and a group of MPs calling for a complete ban on their use, concerns over long-term environmental and health impacts caused by Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) have been growing over the last few years.
As a leading school uniform manufacturer and supplier, we believe these ‘forever chemicals’ don’t belong in school uniforms, therefore we do not intentionally use PFAS-based finishes, restricted azo dyes, or BPA containing materials in our products or manufacturing process.
Furthermore, in the case of garments not manufactured by us, we ensure that none of our suppliers intentionally use these substances either, so we can assure all our customers that any items you purchase from Price & Buckland are tested to comply with applicable UK and EU regulations relating to PFAS, restricted Azo Dyes, and BPA, including any garments that contain showerproof or waterproof fabrics.
What Does PFAS Stand For?
PFAS stands for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances which are more commonly known as ‘Forever Chemicals.
What is a PFAS?
Consisting of more than 15,000 synthetic chemicals, PFAS have been used around the world in a wide variety of products since the 1950s due to their unmatched properties such as resistance against high temperatures, UV, oil and water. These properties make them extremely convenient for use within products from food packaging and cookware, electronics to stain resistant clothing.
Consequently, these useful properties therefore also mean the chemicals do not degrade easily when they enter the environment, with some PFAS being linked to an increased risk of developing cancer and infertility.
How Worried Should People be?
Although evidence suggests there is a genuine long-term concern, it is generally seen that the level of personal risk from everyday consumer products is low. For individuals, the key point is that risk is driven more by cumulative exposure over time rather than by any single product, however reducing unnecessary exposure is a sensible precaution, especially where alternatives exist.
Consumer products can contribute, but they are only one part of a much wider picture that includes water, food, and environmental contamination. This is why MPs and experts are pushing for stronger controls, particularly on non-essential uses in consumer products like cookware, food packaging and textiles, and why the UK Government unveiled a new plan to better protect the nation and the environment from PFAS on 3rd February 2026.
Other Chemicals in Clothing to be Aware of
BPA (Bisphenol A)
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical that has been used to manufacture polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins since the 1950s. Commonly found in food containers, water bottles and thermal paper receipts, BPA has been found to act as an endocrine disruptor, potentially causing reproductive, liver and kidney problems.
As some of our garments are made using recycled plastic bottles, we have carried out additional testing and can confirm all our garments that contain material made from recycled plastic bottles are BPA free.
Azo Dye
Azo Dyes are synthetic colourants used in textiles, leather, and food and are known for bright, consistent colours. While most Azo Dyes are safe, certain types have the potential to release carcinogenic aromatic amines that are known to cause cancers. For this reason, Azo Dyes are strictly regulated within the UK and EU, with these specific Azo Dyes being banned.
Due to this high toxicity, we do not use any restricted Azo Dyes in any of our products.
What We Do Differently
Oeko-Tex® Standard 100
We’re proud to use Oeko-Tex® Standard 100, a testing procedure which ensures every aspect of a garment/product, ie. every thread, button, and other accessory, has been tested for harmful substances and that the product is therefore safe to wear.
All of our knitwear and tartan garments, as well as a wide range of T-shirts and sweatshirts, have this certification and we are currently working on expanding this certification to include a larger number of items.
Ruco®-Dry Eco Plus
Made from non-fluorinated and renewable materials, Ruco®-Dry Eco Plus is a high-performance water-repellent textile finishing agent suitable for all types of fibres, and protects finished textile goods from challenging rain conditions, mechanical stress, and various household stains.
We use Ruco®-Dry Eco Plus coating on a wide range of our garments including trousers, skirts and pinafores.
SEDEX
As a school uniform manufacturer, we are dedicated to designing and manufacturing superior quality clothing in an ethically and environmentally friendly way. To solidify that promise, we are proud to be members of SEDEX, a global organisation who are dedicated to driving improvements in ethical and responsible business practices in global supply chains. Their data-led insights and accessible tools allow us to assess and prioritise environmental and social risks to assist us in becoming more socially and environmentally sustainable.
Bureau Vertitas
All our fabrics are thoroughly tested by Bureau Vertitas – trusted world leaders in testing, inspection, and certification, to ensure our garments stand up to the rigours of school life. This emphasis on long lasting durability ensures all our garments are as environmentally friendly as possible, allowing garments to be passed onto other pupils/siblings once outgrown, lessening the likelihood of them ending up in landfill.
Our Sustainability Pledge
We’re always looking at ways we can make a real difference. That’s why we donate to a range of worthy charities, hold several fundraising events throughout the year, and invest in new processes and technology to create a more eco-centered uniform.
Visit our social responsibility page to find out more about our change for good.
