For decades, elite winter athletes have used fluorinated waxes because they significantly reduce friction and improve glide through snow conditions. These products contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, better known as PFAS, a large class of synthetic chemicals valued for their water-repellent properties, but also known for persisting in the environment and in human bodies. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to a range of health concerns, and research shows that particles from fluorinated waxes can end up in snow, soil, and water surrounding ski venues. As a result, PFAS has been banned at the Winter Olympics for the first time this year because of its damage to the environment and the human body.
The ban on these “forever chemicals” at the Milan-Cortina Games marks a turning point, pushing athletes, technicians, and manufacturers to innovate with PFAS-free alternatives. Developing new waxes that deliver performance without long-lasting environmental impact aligns with sustainable growth by reducing reliance on substances that accumulate in ecosystems and by encouraging broader material science progress.
Sustainable growth, to me, is not just about protecting nature but also about fostering long-term resilience in how industries approach materials, health, and technology. The shift at the Olympics is an example of how reevaluating familiar practices can open pathways to better outcomes for both people and the planet.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a class of chemicals that have a special bond of carbon and fluorine atoms, making them strong and resistant to water, dirt, heat and oil. For that reason, they’re used in everyday items as varied as microwave popcorn bags, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant carpets, cosmetics, dental floss, nonstick frying pans — and ski wax.
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