PROFESSIONALS - Open a Trade Account today for additional discount!

Free shipping on all orders over £15

Why PFAS-Free Matters in Kinesiology Tape

Why PFAS-Free Matters in Kinesiology Tape

Mike Walden |

At Ultimate Performance, we are committed to producing high-quality medical products that are not only effective but also use the latest, safest materials available. That's why all Ultimate Performance Kinesiology Tape manufactured since late 2025 is PFAS free.

What are PFAS?

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a large group of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used since the 1950s in thousands of products, including some medical devices. They are valued for their water resistance, durability and chemical stability.

However, because these chemicals persist in the environment and can accumulate in the body, some PFAS have raised health concerns. In 2023, the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified one of the most widely used PFAS chemicals, PFOA, as carcinogenic to humans, with others remaining under ongoing investigation.

Why weren't they removed sooner?

PFAS have been used in many medical products because they provide excellent performance. In particular, many of the high-performance, medical-grade adhesives used by manufacturers have traditionally contained PFAS components.

Like the rest of the medical industry, we rely on specialist raw materials supplied by leading manufacturers. Developing PFAS-free adhesives that meet the same demanding standards for skin adhesion, comfort and durability has taken time.

The medical industry is changing

The European Commission is preparing legislation to phase out PFAS in many products, including medical devices. The regulations are expected to be finalised during 2026 or early 2027, with implementation likely between 2029 and 2030.

In anticipation of these changes, raw material manufacturers have worked hard to develop new PFAS-free materials without compromising product performance.

Ultimate Performance Kinesiology Tape is PFAS Free

We have now adopted these latest-generation materials.

All Ultimate Performance Kinesiology Tape manufactured since late 2025 is PFAS free.

You can identify PFAS-free products by checking the batch number:

  • Batch number 202511 or later – PFAS Free
  • Earlier batch numbers were manufactured before the introduction of the new PFAS-free specification.

No Compromise on Performance

Our priority has always been to produce kinesiology tape that provides reliable support, excellent adhesion and all-day comfort. The latest PFAS-free materials enable us to achieve this while meeting the next generation of environmental and health standards.

As newer, improved raw materials become available, we will continue to update our products to ensure they offer the highest levels of performance, safety and quality.