CLITHEROE, United Kingdom — March 14, 2016 — Following significant research and development, Pertex® is now able to offer an extensive range of non-perfluorocarbon (PFC) Durable Water Repellency (DWR) fabrics that have performance characteristics similar to conventional DWR finished fabrics.
Pertex acknowledges that the use of PFC-based water repellent finishes has a negative environmental impact and as such, it has completely eliminated long-chain (C8) PFC chemistry from its products, moving to a less harmful short-chain (c6) alternative.
“For over five years, we have been supplying fabrics with non-PFC DWR to select 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.
According to Laycock, it is clear that there are barriers to overcome in order to make a complete move-away from PFC-based DWR. A key issue still to resolve is that dirt and stain repellency of non-PFC DWR finishes remains less effective than that of a conventional PFC based DWR – possibly affecting the garment lifespan.
“We are committed to further expanding our range of non-PFC products through the continued development of new and existing non-PFC DWR technologies, with the ultimate goal of delivering fabrics with long-lasting performance with minimal impact upon the environment,” said Laycock.
Posted March 14, 2016
Source: Pertex®
