Sweden moves to ban ‘forever chemicals’ in consumer products from 2028 as EU-wide ban remains in limbo

Sweden said that it plans to ban so-called “forever chemicals”, technically known as PFAS, in consumer products such as clothing and kitchenware from 2028.

“Sweden has no intention of standing by while ‘forever chemicals’ continue to spread in our homes, in nature and in our bodies,” environment and climate minister Romina Pourmokhtari said in a statement, quoted by Le Monde.

The Swedish government aims to reduce the spread of PFAS to protect the environment and human health, according to its official website.

But the restriction only comes after decades of warnings from campaigners, health organisations, and investors, given the growing problem across Europe and the knock-on costs for society.

The announcement comes as the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) advances work on EU-wide restrictions. At the end of March, the agency published a scientific opinion recommending a broad restriction on PFAS across the EU.