What is PFC?

PFC´s are of human origin, which means they are not found in the natural environment. They are biologically degradable to only a small degree or not at all and will remain in the environment for a long time. They will also be spread worldwide and accumulate in organisms. PFC can be detected almost everywhere: in large bodies of water, the drinking water, the air and all along the food chain as well as within human blood and breast milk. Some PFC are known to pollute the ground and drinking water, others can modify the hormonal system, harm the reproductive system and even the embryo in utero, as well as cause cancer. Outdoor products containing PFC do not pose a health risk according to recent scientific evidence. The main problem here lie within the production process, the washing of functional clothing and their disposal.

PFC-free alternatives
By now there are a number of PFC-free membranes and impregnations available, which will offer the same breathable, wind proof, waterproof and water repellent properties as corresponding PFC-products. Regarding this it seems likely that the classic outdoor industry will be able to completely convert their production of outdoor clothes and equipment to environmentally friendly and health preserving materials in the near future. Solely the superiority of the dirt- and fat-/oil-repellent properties of PFC-products will likely remain untouched. However this characteristic is of little interest when it comes to outdoor clothing and equipment.

Listed below are a number of examples and alternatives to PFC. All of those are demonstrably harmless for humans and the environment.

Bionic-Finish Eco
Bionic-Finish Eco is a water repellent treatment based on sustainable technologies to hydrophobe. It consists of hyper branched polymers with a high density of hydrophobic (water repellent) elements. These hydrophobic connections are completely fluorine free and at the same time highly efficient: it will repel water and watery dirt substances very well and remains washable. Even more important is the fact that it will not hamper the breathability and is abrasion-proof.

Ceplex
Ceplex consists of polyurethane and is consequently 100 % PFC-free. This high quality membrane manufactured by VAUDE is durable waterproof, breathable and wind proof. Furthermore, the membrane is directly attached to the fabric, which increases the durability and the longevity. Other advantageous properties are a very high abrasion resistance and a simple maintenance.

Eco-Finish
Eco Finish is a durable waterrepellent DWR-equipment manufactured by
VAUDE, which is environmentally friendly produced without PFC and instead consists of degradable components.

Dermizax™
The Dermizax™ membrane consists of polyurethane and therefore contains no waste products that could damage human health or the environment. Furthermore, the product is 100% recyclable.
Dermizax™ is a hydrophilic material, which uses movable molecules instead of micropores. The polymer-molecules will move much faster in high temperature and high intensity of motion, which will favor the removal of humidity. In colder temperature the molecules will move slower and prevent cooling. The Dermizax™ membrane is highly breathable and ideal for use during intensive activity. Furthermore, it offers a high wind- and waterproofness.

PTFE-free membrane
PFC is also needed as an aid in the production of polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE)-membranes, resulting in making these membranes dangerous for environment and health as well. Many manufacturers therefore choose the processing of PTFE-free membrane.