Aiming to be PFAS free by Winter 2025
We are aiming for our entire range to be PFAS free* for Autumn/Winter 2025 in production including all trims, membranes and components.
To do this we are addressing the entire group of PFAS across all materials, components and finished products, as part of our chemical management.
Our Restricted Substances List and sourcing policy details our chemical requirements and ethical standards. In 2023, our Restricted Substances List was updated and now aligns with AFIRM (Apparel and Footwear International RSL Management Working Group).
What is PFAS?
PFAS (per and poly fluoroalkyl substances) are a large class of chemical substances. There are 14000 different chemicals within PFAS and they are used in a wide range of industry sectors due to their desirable properties. They are long lasting persistent chemicals and have been linked to negative impacts on humans and wildlife. However, they are a vast class of chemicals and therefore it is challenging to make direct links to human health and environmental risks.
What are fluorocarbons?
Fluorocarbons are the chemistry that underpins the PFAS chemical group. PFAS is chemistry used in a variety of sectors and industries, from electrical wiring to nonstick cookware. In clothing they are used to make impart water repellency.
The chemistry is based on the bonding of carbon to fluorine in a chain. The carbon chains have a fluorine bonded to the ends. Fluorocarbon-free chemistries use a carbon chain but with, typically, hydrogen bonded to the ends.
What’s the difference between PFC-free, fluorocarbon-free, and PFAS?
PFAS is the entire chemical class of fluorocarbon substances.
PFC stands for per and polyfluorinated substances. PFC-free is an industry term but a more accurate term is fluorocarbon-free which we have adopted.
How can I see if a product has a fluorocarbon free DWR or if the product is PFAS free?
From AW24, we state the DWR type and if the product is PFAS free*.
To ensure a product is PFAS free, our team needs to review all the fabrics, trims, and any additions in production for each product.
Is C8/PFOA/PFOS still used within your products?
We moved away from using C8 fluorocarbon DWRs across our product range when concerns were raised about the chemical class. Whilst they may be discussed separately, PFOA and PFOS are by-products related to C8 chemistry and they are not used in the production of our products.
What are DWRs?
DWRs are Durable Water Repellents and are chemical treatments applied to the fabric to repel water and maintain the garment’s breathability, comfort and performance in wet conditions.
What type of DWR is used on your products?
We currently use both fluorocarbon (C6) DWRs and fluorocarbon-free DWRs on our products depending on the style, the end use and necessary performance required. We are increasing the use of fluorocarbon-free DWRs across our ranges through working with our mill partners and performance testing.
Are your membranes PFAS-free?
For AW24, some membranes contain PFAS and we are working with our fabric suppliers on this. Our Drilite membrane is PFAS free except for in the Zeno products.
In 2023, we launched the first PFAS-free GORE-TEX products (with an ePE membrane) in the Makalu Jacket and Pant.
Consumer Care
Proper care of garments, including regular washing and retreating, is essential to maintain the performance of fluorocarbon-free DWRs. This ensures long-lasting water repellency and comfort. Good levels of water repellency are achievable with PFAS-free technologies, but garments will no longer resist stains and oils as effectively. Regular maintenance of DWRs is crucial for optimal product performance and breathability.
Read more about PFAS in our PFAS Policy Document.
*Intentionally added PFAS as compliant with current legislation (e.g. California AB 1817, Colorado SB24-081).
