We’re converting all of our durable water-repellent membranes and finishes to non-fluorinated alternatives by 2025.
Water repellency doesn’t just keep you comfortable, it keeps you alive. But for decades now, the coatings used in apparel to improve water-repellency have relied on per- or polyfluorinated chemicals, which contain fluorine and are most often referred to by their acronyms: PFCs, PFOAs or PFAS. This class of “forever chemicals” accumulates in air, water, food and even our bodies, and they raise serious health concerns, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
PFCs, PFAS, PFOS and PFOAs are different ways of conveying the same message: fluorinated chemicals with slightly different molecular structures and fairly similar functions. In the apparel industry, these acronyms are typically used interchangeably. At Patagonia, if your gear is PFC-free, it’s also PFAS-free, PFOS-free and PFOA-free.
PFC-Free
Patagonia’s blanket term for products made without fluorinated chemicals.
After more than a decade of effort, we have dramatically reduced the use of PFAS and PFCs across our product lines, but it’s been a struggle. Between 2013 and 2016, we were able to fully phase out the use of long-chain (or C8) fluorocarbon-based treatments in DWR (durable water repellent) finishes, guided by studies that demonstrated C8’s negative impacts on environmental and human health. Instead, we began using C6, a shorter-chain fluorocarbon that, at the time, was considered a less harmful chemistry. After our switch, new research emerged showing that C6 is just as detrimental to us and the environment. That’s when we decided to start working toward water-repellent finishes and membranes made without any PFAS or PFCs.
In Fall 2019, we launched our first products with DWR finishes made without PFAS or PFCs, and in 2021, we introduced the Men’s and Women’s Dual Aspect Jacket and Bibs, which eliminate perfluorinated chemicals from both the DWR coating as well as the water-repellent membrane.
In Spring 2024, about 96% of Patagonia’s materials by weight with water-repellent chemistries are made without PFAS.
(Making sure your waterproof and water-repellent gear stays that way means giving it the proper care it needs. Remember, a clean shell is a happy shell. Check out our product care guide for tips.)
Since that journey began, we have dramatically reduced the use of PFCs across our product lines, using these chemistries only when select products require it. Between 2013 and 2016, we were able to fully phase out the use of long-chain (C8) fluorocarbon-based treatments in DWR, guided by studies that demonstrated C8’s negative impacts on environmental and human health. Instead, we began using C6, a shorter-chain fluorocarbon that, at the time, was considered a less harmful chemistry. After our switch, new research emerged showing that C6 is just as detrimental. That’s when we decided to move to 100% PFC-free.
In Fall 2019, we launched our first suite of products with PFC-free DWR, and in 2021, we introduced our first 100% PFC-free technical alpine products—the Men’s and Women’s Dual Aspect Jacket and Bibs, which eliminate PFCs from both the DWR coating as well as the water-repellent membrane.
In Fall 2022, 78% of Patagonia’s materials with water-repellent chemistries are PFC-free.
(Making sure your waterproof and water-repellent gear stays that way means giving it the proper care it needs. Remember, a clean shell is a happy shell. Check out our product care guide for tips.)
After investing significant time and resources, we are in the process of making all of our membranes and water-repellent finishes without PFCs or PFAS by 2025.
Three US states (California, New York and Colorado) will soon have regulations that require the elimination of PFAS from clothing with very limited exceptions.
We will continue to work within a shared supply chain and encourage other apparel brands to utilize solutions we’ve vetted and adopted. This collaboration can enable large-scale changes and success in more products made without PFAS throughout the industry.
