Pertex expands its PFC-free offering

15/03/2016
Specialist technical fabrics developer Pertex has said that, following “significant research and development”, it is now able to offer a range of durable water repellent (DWR) fabrics that have performance characteristics similar to those of conventional DWR finished fabrics, but which contain no perfluorinated compounds (PFCs).

Pertex says it acknowledges that the use of PFC-based water repellent finishes on garments has a negative environmental impact. It has completely eliminated long-chain (C8) PFC chemistry from its products, moving to less harmful short-chain (C6) alternatives. But in addition, it has said it is committed to expanding an existing range of fabrics with non-PFC durable water repellent technology.

“For over five years, we have been supplying fabrics with non-PFC DWR to selected brand partners and with that expertise and experience, we are confident that we can achieve performance at a similar level to conventional DWR,” said Steve Laycock, Pertex brand director, on making the announcement.

Mr Laycock said there are still barriers to overcome to make a complete move away from PFC-based water-repellent garments, pointing out that a key issue still to resolve is that the dirt- and stain-repellency of non-PFC DWR finishes remain less effective, possibly affecting a garment’s lifespan. However, he said Pertex’s ultimate goal was to deliver fabrics with long-lasting performance and a minimal impact on the environment.