Sweden has announced plans to prohibit so-called forever chemicals, known technically as PFAS, in everyday consumer items such as clothing and kitchenware starting in 2028.

Environment and climate minister Romina Pourmokhtari declared that Sweden will not stand idle as these substances keep spreading through homes, nature, and human bodies, according to remarks quoted by Le Monde.

The government seeks to limit PFAS exposure to safeguard both environmental quality and public health, as outlined on its official site.

This step follows years of alerts from advocacy groups, health experts, and financial stakeholders about the expanding issue across Europe and the resulting societal expenses.

The move occurs while the European Chemicals Agency continues developing bloc-wide limits. In late March the agency issued a scientific assessment backing broad PFAS restrictions throughout the EU.

The effort builds on a 2023 joint submission to the agency by five nations - Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, and non-EU Norway - proposing an overarching PFAS prohibition.

A concluding assessment from the agency is anticipated by year end, after which the European Commission and all member states will address the political aspects.

The public consultation on the five-country proposal drew more than 5,600 responses, marking one of the largest volumes the agency has processed. Many submissions originated from corporations, legal firms, industry associations, and international trade groups.

Major chemical companies including Chemours, 3M, and Solvay, along with key industry organizations such as Cefic and PlasticsEurope, significantly increased their EU advocacy spending after the 2023 proposal.