In this brand-new episode of The Sustainable Angler, we kick off a special 4-part series called The Rise of Sustainability Regulations, where we explore the critical laws shaping the future of fishing and outdoor brands.
This week, we dive into PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, with James Pollack, an environmental and regulatory lawyer at Marten Law who advises outdoor gear, apparel, and footwear brands on managing environmental risk.
What Are PFAS (Forever Chemicals) and Why Should Outdoor Brands Care?
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals known for their water-resistant, stain-resistant, and durable properties—but they’re also highly toxic, persist in the environment, and have been linked to serious human health issues, including cancer, hormonal disruptions, and immune system effects.
These chemicals are commonly found in products like: waders, backpacks, rain jackets, fluorocarbon fishing lines, and wading boots
But here’s the catch: federal and state governments are cracking down on PFAS, with new regulations rolling out that will impact how fishing and outdoor brands design, manufacture, and sell their products.
Key Takeaways from the Episode:
✅ What PFAS are and why they’re called “forever chemicals”
✅ The human health and environmental risks of PFAS
✅ How federal and state PFAS regulations are evolving
✅ Which outdoor products (like waders, rain jackets, and fishing gear) are affected
✅ How PFAS contamination in drinking water is sparking new laws
✅ Steps fishing & outdoor brands, and retailers can take to manage chemicals of concern
Why This Series Matters
At Emerger Strategies, we help fishing and outdoor brands:
✅ Reduce costs
✅ Enhance reputation
✅ Increase customer loyalty
✅ Mitigate regulatory risk
Sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a business necessity. That’s why we’re bringing you this exclusive podcast series featuring James Pollack to help your brand stay ahead of evolving regulations on PFAS, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and climate laws.
Listen to the Full Episode
Don’t miss this important conversation on how PFAS regulations are shaping the future of fishing and outdoor brands.
Resources:
Finally, a couple of resources James mentioned are: Keen Footwear PFAS Green Paper and Afirm Group Restricted Substances List (RSL).
Stay Tuned
Stay tuned for the next episode in the Rise of Sustainability Regulations series, where we’ll explore Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and how it’s reshaping packaging and product design in the fishing & outdoor industry.