Submission to Oz Senate: PFAS Chemicals
Submitted by Peak Oil Company, Sole Trader, Designer and Maker of Outdoor Clothing and Equipment Using Natural Materials and Treatments
Introduction
Peak Oil Company is a small business based in Victoria, designing and producing outdoor clothing and equipment using natural materials and treatments, specifically avoiding the use of PFAS chemicals and synthetic fibres. Peak Oil Company is committed to environmental sustainability and consumer and worker safety and wellbeing. We welcome the Senate's inquiry into PFAS chemicals and offer this submission to emphasize the potential for small, innovative businesses to contribute to Australia’s leadership in phasing out these harmful substances.
Response to Terms of Reference
(a) Data Collection on PFAS Contamination
As a sole trader, Peak Oil Company relies on publicly available information to understand the impact of PFAS contamination on natural resources. Comprehensive, publicly funded data collection is essential to inform small businesses and the broader public about contamination levels, allowing us to make informed decisions about materials and sourcing.
(b) Sources of Exposure
PFAS contamination in consumer goods and outdoor equipment is a significant concern. Many outdoor products rely on PFAS-based water-resistant coatings, creating a direct exposure pathway for consumers and the environment, often in very remote areas. Our decision to use natural materials demonstrates that effective alternatives exist and highlights the need to promote PFAS-free practices industry-wide.
(c) Health, Environmental, Social, Cultural, and Economic Impacts
PFAS chemicals pose profound risks to human health, ecosystems, and cultural heritage, particularly for communities who depend on natural resources or seek recreation outdoors. Businesses like Peak Oil Company mitigate these impacts by consciously avoiding PFAS, supporting consumer health, designing and developing products and methods, and promoting integrity in natural environments.
(d) Challenges in Research
Small businesses can contribute to research by demonstrating viable PFAS-free alternatives. However, greater public investment in independent studies, especially those accounting for natural materials and treatments, is crucial to counterbalance industry influence on PFAS science.
(e) Effectiveness of Regulatory Frameworks
Current regulatory frameworks focus more on managing contamination than preventing it. Recognizing and supporting businesses that preemptively exclude PFAS aligns with preventative strategies. Support could include financial incentives or certification programs for PFAS-free operations.
(f) Responsibility of Government and Industry
Government agencies and large industries have a responsibility to prioritize the phase-out of PFAS. As a small operator already committed to this goal, we argue for recognizing the agility of small businesses based in Australia who are already operating PFAS-free, and promoting their operations while we wait for larger operators to adjust.
(g) International Best Practices for Management and Disposal
Countries such as Denmark and Sweden have banned PFAS in many consumer products, providing models for Australia. Supporting small businesses which already use PFAS-free practices, aligns with these international standards.
(h) Engagement and Support for Affected Communities
Fair compensation for affected communities is essential, but proactive support for PFAS-free businesses can prevent future harm and empower local economies.
(i) Effectiveness of Remediation Works
Investments in remediation must go hand-in-hand with policies encouraging businesses to eliminate PFAS from their supply chains, reducing future contamination risks.
(j) International Best Practices for Risk Assessment and Management
Australia can lead globally by fostering a market for PFAS-free products, using small businesses like mine as examples of sustainable practices.
(k) Areas for Reform
Incentives for PFAS-free businesses: Financial subsidies, tax benefits, or grants for companies avoiding PFAS could encourage broader adoption of sustainable practices.
Education and labeling: Mandatory labeling for PFAS-containing products would empower consumers to choose safer alternatives.
Collaboration: Support for small businesses to collaborate with researchers and policymakers on PFAS-free solutions.
(l) Other Matters
The government should actively engage with small businesses that operate without PFAS, recognizing their contributions and providing platforms for their voices in policymaking processes.
Conclusion
Peak Oil Company demonstrates that it is possible to create high-quality, outdoor clothing and equipment without PFAS. Recognizing and supporting businesses already working toward the goals of this inquiry can serve as a starting point for broader reforms. We urge the Senate to consider measures that empower small operators to lead the transition to a PFAS-free future.
Respectfully submitted,
Leigh Blackall
Sole Trader, Peak Oil Company
References
General Information about PFAS
Australian Department of Health - Expert Health Panel for PFAS Report - https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/expert-health-panel-for-pfas-report
Australian Parliament - PFAS Inquiry Report 2018 - https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Foreign_Affairs_Defence_and_Trade/PFASInquiry2018/Report
Australian Department of Defence - PFAS Environmental Management - https://www.defence.gov.au/environment/pfas
Engagement with Small Businesses and PFAS Solutions
Australian PFAS Taskforce - National PFAS Position Statement - https://www.pfas.gov.au/government-action/regulatory-guidance
Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman - Small Business Challenges - https://www.asbfeo.gov.au
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants - PFAS Listings and Implications - http://chm.pops.int
Challenges Faced by Australian Textile SMEs
Australian Industry Capability - Manufacturing in Australia - https://www.industry.gov.au/topics/manufacturing
The Australian Council of Textiles and Fashion (ACTF) - Sustainability Practices - https://www.textilecouncil.com.au
Sustainable Business Network - Overcoming Barriers in Ethical Textiles - https://sustainable.org.nz
Viability of Natural Materials and PFAS-Free Alternatives
Peak Oil Company - Natural Fibre Clothes and Equipment for the Outdoors - https://www.peakoilcompany.com/news/natural-fibre-clothes-and-equipment-for-the-outdoors
International Wool Textile Organization - Wool as a Sustainable Material - https://www.iwto.org/wool-sustainability
European Chemicals Agency - PFAS-Free Product Innovations - https://echa.europa.eu/hot-topics/per-and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas
Swedish Chemicals Agency - Alternatives to PFAS in Textiles - https://www.kemi.se/en
