WHAT PFAS FREE MEANS FOR YOUR GEAR
If you’ve bought a new waterproof jacket recently and noticed it seems to be wetting out sooner than your old one, you’re not imagining things.
It’s a question hear a lot, and there’s good reason for it.
Outdoor gear is changing.
Across the outdoor industry brands are moving away from PFAS, often called “forever chemicals”. These chemicals are used in all sorts of everyday items, from non-stick pans to outdoor gear due to their water and stain repellent characteristics.
The problem is that PFAS don’t break down easily. Over time they build up in the environment and in our bodies posing a threat to nature and to our health. PFAS have been detected in food, drinking water and even our blood. Research has linked exposure to certain PFAS compounds with potential health concerns including higher risk of cancer and thyroid disruption.
Investigations such as the BBC Panorama documentary The Truth About Forever Chemicals have highlighted the widespread concerns associated with PFAS, including the levels of these substances in our blood. One expert in the program explained to Catrin "the safe level would be less than 2 (ng/mL), your level is 9.8 (ng/mL). You will have passed on PFAS during fertility, for sure."
Because of this, many outdoor brands are now removing them from their manufacturing process and opting for new PFAS free alternatives. This is a positive step for people and the planet. But it does mean your gear might behave a little differently to how it used to.
PFAS free DWR treatments still provide amazing water repellencey, what they don’t repel is oils. Oils from your skin, suncream, food, dirt, you name it, which all builds up on the fabric over time.
When these contaminants sit on the outer fabric, they reduce the effectiveness of the DWR finish. The result is what people often describe as “wetting out”, where the fabric begins to absorb water instead of it beading off.
This doesn’t mean the waterproof membrane has failed, it just means the fabric needs some TLC.
What does this actually mean for your jacket?
Cleaning.
Cleaning your gear has never been more important when it comes to long lasting water repellencey performance.
Washing away dirt using a technical apparel cleaner designed not to damage DWR treatments helps restore water repellencey and keeps your jacket breathable and performing as it should.
Caring for your gear doesn’t just restore it’s performance, it also extends its lifespan.
Moving away from PFAS is a big change for the outdoor industry but it’s an important one. PFAS free chemistry still provides excellent water repellencey, they just require a little more care to maintain performance.
Here in Derbyshire, we’ve been developing PFAS free cleaning and reproofing solutions for over 20 years, helping outdoor lovers stay ready for whatever the weather throws at them.
Here are a few of our PFAS free cleaning and reproofing products designed to keep your gear performing at its best:
Read more on PFAS at: https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/publications/pfas-in-textiles-in-europes-circular-economy.
BBC Panorama documentary: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002n2hr
