PFAS are chemicals used in countless products, from dental floss and firefighting foam to rain jackets and food packaging. Industries use these substances because they form a super strong bond that fends off stains, oil, and heat. They are also used to make fabrics water repellant and have therefore been integral to the enjoyment of the outdoors.

Their strength is so enduring that it has earned them the name “forever chemicals.” Unfortunately, tests are showing that PFAS are turning up in soil, water, animals, and studies have linked PFAS exposure to harmful environmental and health effects. A clean and healthy environment is as essential to L.L.Bean’s purpose as is the quality of our products. We are proud that our home state of Maine is a leader on this issue, recently banning the use of PFAS by 2030 – the first state to do so.

As a company, L.L.Bean has been proactive in eliminating PFAS from L.L.Bean-labeled products and is committed to following all laws and regulations governing the use of PFAS. In fact, prior to Maine’s law being enacted, we began working with industry partners to develop and utilize alternatives to PFAS treatments that better preserve the health of the environment and still meet L.L.Bean’s quality standards. This work is enabling our ongoing transition to PFAS-free chemistries, with a goal to eliminate all PFAS from L.L.Bean-labeled products by the end of 2024.