Lululemon, the global athletic apparel brand, is cooperating with a PFAS investigation launched by the Texas Attorney General's Office. The probe examines whether the company's products contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — synthetic compounds known as "forever chemicals" — and whether consumers may have been misled about product safety claims.
Texas AG's Formal PFAS Inquiry into Lululemon
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's office has issued a civil investigative demand (CID) to Lululemon USA, requesting documents and details related to PFAS presence in the company's athletic apparel. The inquiry forms part of a broader consumer protection push targeting wellness and sustainability marketing claims.
Paxton stated the state intends to scrutinize whether consumers are misled when buying products marketed around health and wellbeing. "I will not allow any corporation to sell harmful, toxic materials to consumers at a premium price under the guise of wellness and sustainability," he said.
Investigators will review Lululemon's internal controls — including its Restricted Substances List and compliance testing protocols — to assess whether the company's public positioning aligns with actual product chemistry and supply-chain practices.
Lululemon's Response and PFAS Phase-Out Claims
Lululemon confirmed it is cooperating with the inquiry and providing all requested documentation. The company states it no longer uses PFAS in any of its products, having phased out the substances during fiscal year 2023.
A company spokesperson stated: "Lululemon does not use PFAS in its products. The company phased out the substance in FY23, which had been used in durable water repellent products, a small percentage of our assortment. The health and safety of our guests is paramount, and our products meet or exceed global regulatory, safety, and quality standards."
Despite the inquiry, Lululemon continues to post strong financial results. The company reported fiscal 2025 revenue exceeding $11.1 billion, with gross profit of $6.3 billion, even as gross margin declined 260 basis points to 56.6%.
PFAS in Textiles: Health Risks and Industry Implications
PFAS have been used since the mid-20th century in industries ranging from cookware and firefighting to textile finishes such as durable water repellents (DWR). Their ability to repel water, oil, and stains made them a common choice in performance apparel manufacturing.
Because PFAS compounds do not break down in the environment, regulators worldwide have intensified oversight of their use. Health concerns associated with PFAS exposure include potential endocrine disruption, fertility impacts, and links to certain cancers, though risk profiles vary by compound type and exposure level.
- PFAS are present in thousands of industrial and consumer products globally
- Their environmental persistence earns them the label "forever chemicals"
- Regulatory restrictions on PFAS in textiles are expanding across North America and Europe
- Brands with wellness and sustainability claims face growing chemical transparency scrutiny
The Lululemon case signals a broader enforcement trend targeting apparel brands' chemical claims. Textile manufacturers and suppliers should maintain robust Restricted Substances List programs and ensure supply-chain documentation is audit-ready. Stay current on regulatory developments through textile news coverage on textilezon.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Texas AG's PFAS investigation into Lululemon about?
The Texas Attorney General issued a civil investigative demand to Lululemon USA to determine whether PFAS — "forever chemicals" — are present in its athletic apparel and whether consumers were misled by health and wellness marketing claims.
Has Lululemon phased out PFAS from its products?
Yes. Lululemon states it phased out PFAS during fiscal year 2023. Prior use was limited to durable water repellent finishes on a small portion of its product assortment. The company requires all vendors to conduct regular third-party PFAS testing to confirm ongoing compliance.
Why does the PFAS issue matter to the textile and apparel sector?
PFAS have been widely used in textile finishes for performance properties, but their environmental persistence and health risks have made them a growing regulatory priority. Apparel brands face increasing pressure to eliminate PFAS and provide full chemical transparency across global supply chains.
