Professor Oliver A.H. Jones, RMIT University
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been widely used in furniture manufacturing to impart stain resistance, water repellence, and surface durability.
However, the environmental persistence, bioaccumulative potential, and associations with adverse health outcomes of some PFAS have led to intense scientific scrutiny, public concern, and increased regulatory intervention.
For the furniture sector, PFAS are transitioning from functional additives to complex sources of compliance, liability, and reputational risk.
From emerging restrictions in the EU and multiple U.S. states, to class actions, PFAS is no longer a technical compliance issue but a potential board-level risk.
PFAS is an emotive subject, thanks to Hollywood films such as Dark Waters and documentaries like How to Poison a Planet.
Compounds in this group can be found almost (but not quite) everywhere, from Mount Everest to the depths of the ocean.
PFAS have been associated with negative health effects, including cancer and reduced immune response.
Their presence in ski wax has even cost several athletes the chance to compete at this year’s winter Olympics.
PFAS in furniture is not solely a compliance issue; it represents a case study in how persistent chemicals challenge product stewardship in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment.
Manufacturers need to be proactive and accountable regarding the presence of PFAS in their products to be future-ready for upcoming PFAS regulations and the demand for public action.
By integrating toxicological evidence, regulatory trends, and market dynamics, this session aims to provide a rigorous, interdisciplinary foundation for informed decision-making on PFAS at the executive and board levels.
Professor Oliver Jones is Director of Education, Regenerative Futures Institute (RFI), RMIT. He will give the keynote address at 10:15 am on day one of the Grow. Promote. Protect. Forum 2026. For more information on the February 24 – 25 event, visit this link.