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In the close to future, REI will solely promote merchandise which might be solely freed from PFAS, the dangerous class of chemical compounds.<\/strong> That\u2019s the information from the Washington-based retailer, which introduced Tuesday new product requirements for itself and its thousand-plus model companions.<\/p>\n REI\u2019s new guidelines<\/strong><\/a> would require its suppliers to chop all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from all cookware, attire, footwear, packs, and comparable gear. It\u2019s a deliberate phase-out of all remaining merchandise with the chemical compounds. Its deadline? Fall 2024. <\/p>\n That\u2019s along with REI\u2019s current PFAS restrictions, which ended the sale of drugs containing long-chain PFAS, and banned the chemical compounds solely in ski wax and clothes therapies.<\/p>\n Suppliers of \u201call remaining textile products\u201d in its retail line \u2014 gadgets like heavy-duty rain jackets \u2014 could have till 2026 to section out the chemical compounds. <\/p>\n PFAS embrace over 9,000 human-made chemical compounds<\/strong><\/a> with nonstick and water-repellent properties that’s widespread in client merchandise. A variety of outside clothes, pots and pans, and firefighting foam all include PFAS. Also known as \u201cforever chemicals,\u201d they gained\u2019t break down naturally. Studies have detected PFAS within the bloodstream of 97 p.c of Americans, and wild animal species all around the planet<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The broader well being implications PFAS introduce are nonetheless underneath debate. But research have already linked the chemical compounds to many well being issues, together with most cancers and liver harm.<\/p>\n REI first launched its Product Standards mannequin in 2018 as a self-audit of its environmental impacts. With a 2020 replace, the corporate stated it needed to deal with its companion manufacturers\u2019 \u201ccarbon reduction, inclusive marketing practices and cultural designs in the products they make and sell to REI.\u201d<\/p>\n In addition to \u201calignment\u201d with state legal guidelines that more and more prohibit PFAS, updates to the corporate\u2019s requirements this yr<\/strong><\/a> embrace:<\/p>\n To assist its model companions meet the brand new guidelines, REI will present \u201cresources and engagement opportunities\u201d in help. Workshops, steerage documentation, partnerships with the Outdoor Industry Association\u2019s Climate Action Corps<\/strong><\/a>, \u201cand more\u201d are on the desk.<\/p>\n \u201cThe standards keep the co-op and over 1,000 of our brand partners accountable,\u201d REI Vice President of Product Chris Speyer stated. \u201cThe products we carry represent our greatest opportunities to support better ways of doing business. We want our members and customers to know the products they purchase at REI are helping to build a better retail industry<\/strong><\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\nREI\u2019s Product Standards: The Details<\/h2>\n
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