Jack Wolfskin to use PFAS-free down in future
PFAS belongs to the group of water-, grease- and dirt-repellent chemicals and is therefore often found in outdoor clothing. According to Jack Wolfskin, it has not used PFAS in any of its clothing, rucksacks and bags since 2019. The exception until now has been products with down. This is now set to change.
The so-called "eternity chemicals" PFAS ensure that outdoor clothing is water-repellent. However, these perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances are highly controversial due to the risks they pose to the environment and humans. This group comprises over 10,000 substances. They are suspected of causing cancer and promoting infertility.
Duck and goose down absorb less moisture and dry faster when treated with hydrophobic, i.e. water-repellent, chemicals. Down is the best insulation for many outdoor sports applications - with the disadvantage that it loses its insulating properties when wet. This is why many manufacturers rely on the use of PFAS.
Chemical-intensive, hydrophobic down
According to its own information, the German outdoor giant Jack Wolfskin began gradually replacing PFAS in its products with membranes and the more environmentally friendly polyurethane coatings back in 2019. The coatings are one thing, the linings are another. Down, for example.
Source: Jack Wolfskin
Jack Wolfskin wants to break new ground here and is cooperating with the American down manufacturer Allied Feather + Down. The Californians recently presented their PFAS-free down at the ISPO sports trade fair. According to Scott Kaier from Allied Feather + Down, Jack Wolfskin will be gradually replacing its down collections with PFAS-free down produced in accordance with strict animal welfare standards from autumn/winter 2024.
The technology is based on gold and silver particles that are permanently bonded to the duck and goose down. "Conventional hydrophobic chemistry works well when in direct contact with water droplets and is effectively applied to jacket shell material to keep water out," says Scott Kaier.
Source: Patrick Bardelli
"When it comes to insulation, however, the requirements are very different. In practice, the down in jackets often comes into contact with moisture and the body's own water vapour, where conventional hydrophobic chemistry is far less efficient. Our technology prevents the vapour from condensing so that it evaporates more easily. This keeps the entire insulation chamber, and therefore the users, drier and warmer."
The down from Allied Feather + Down is therefore not only more environmentally friendly, but also more effective in outdoor use.
Cover photo: Patrick Bardelli
From radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.