Wove App Scans Clothing for PFAS and Microplastics
Wove is a new mobile app that scans clothing for PFAS (per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances), microplastics, and hidden toxins, providing shoppers with plain-language safety ratings and cleaner alternatives. Launched amid growing regulatory pressure and renewed public concern following Netflix’s The Plastic Detox, it aims to bring the same transparency to wardrobes that Yuka brought to grocery aisles.
Key Features:
- Scans Various Clothing Types: Users can upload photos, screenshots, clothing tags, product descriptions, or shopping URLs for analysis.
- Provides Plain-Language Ratings: Offers ratings based on fiber composition, chemical concerns, and microplastic risk.
- Recommends Cleaner Alternatives: If the score is poor, Wove suggests cleaner alternatives tailored to the shopper’s style, lifestyle, and budget.
Timing and Context:
The app’s launch aligns with several factors:
- Netflix Documentary: The Plastic Detox premiered in March 2026, reigniting public interest in synthetic materials and chemical exposure.
- Regulations: France banned PFAS in textiles as of January 2026, California’s AB 1817 prohibits intentionally added PFAS in clothing, and the EU is tightening REACH restrictions this year.
- Microplastic Concern: While only 42% of consumers aware of microplastic pollution connect it to their clothing, synthetic fibers have grown from 45% to over 60% of global fiber production since 1996.
The Need for Scrutiny:
PFAS and microplastics pose significant environmental and health concerns:
- PFAS: Known as "forever chemicals," they are linked to endocrine disruption, reduced fertility, immune suppression, and several cancers. They persist in the environment for thousands of years.
- Microplastics: Shedded during each wash cycle, these particles have been detected at hazardous levels across thousands of sites in Europe alone.
Founder’s Motivation:
Emily Hemphill, Wove’s founder, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, developed the app after her own fertility and wellness journey led her to investigate what was in her wardrobe. "Clothing is often the last blind spot," she notes.