PFAS, referring to a large group of manufactured chemicals that are commonly referred to as "forever chemicals", have historically been used in the apparel industry for waterproofing purposes in the form of Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finishes and waterproof laminates/membranes. Following concerns about the ecological and human health impacts of PFAS exposures, legislation has taken shape across the US and EU calling for the ban of PFAS in consumer goods, especially those in the textile and apparel industries.
For years, we've been working to evaluate our supply chain process to determine how and where we can move away from PFAS as quickly as possible without compromising performance.
This move and the concern surrounding PFAS is not limited us. It has become an industry and nation-wide initiative of the highest importance. As a pillar of our sustainability mission, we are committed to using our business as a force for good and being stewards of social responsibility.
So why does this matter to us, and who is it going to benefit?
- Putting People First: We're prioritizing the well-being of our customers and community, making the outdoor experience safer and more enjoyable.
- Leading Change: We believe in setting the right trends in our industry and pushing for a more sustainable future for performance apparel.
- Balancing Performance and Sustainability: Quality and sustainability are not mutually-exclusive for us. We've sourced effective alternatives to PFAS for our DWR finishes that will ensure our products remain top-notch without compromising our planet.