Statement on the phase out of long chain fluorinated chemicals (engl.)

Herzogenaurach, 4. März 2013 - As a member of the ZDHC group, we have committed to phase out the use of long chain PFC’s, by no later than January 1, 2015. Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) are widely used across multiple industries to help deliver a broad range of water, stain, and oil repellent performance to a variety of consumer products. In the apparel and footwear industry, these substances deliver protection from the weather, keep a garment looking new, and increase its longevity.
 
Some PFCs can breakdown to form long-chain perfluorinated chemicals such as PFOA and PFOS that are known to have persistent, bioaccumulative and toxicological properties. This is why they are among the priority chemical groups we are addressing in the framework of the Joint Roadmap towards Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC), of which we are a member.
 
More innovation is needed in order for all ZDHC brands to commit to a complete phase-out of fluorinated repellent technologies at this stage - especially for high performance products. However, we recognise that there is a strong call to completely move away from fluorinated chemistry, and we will therefore invest in follow-up research to assess the feasibility of alternative technologies.
 
As a member of the Roadmap, we are fully committed to the goal of zero discharge of hazardous chemicals by 2020. The phase out of long-chain fluorinated chemicals is an important step in this journey. Please find out more here.