Understanding PFC-Free Durable Water Repellent (DWR): What It Means for Your Waterproof Clothing
The outdoor clothing industry has recently undergone a major shift in how it manufactures waterproof gear. To address environmental concerns, brands have moved away from traditional perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in their Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatments.
While this is a necessary step for the environment, it directly impacts how your waterproof jackets and trousers perform and the maintenance they require. This guide explains exactly what PFC-free means, why the change happened, and the practical steps you must take to keep your gear weather-ready.
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A chemical treatment applied to outer fabrics to prevent them from soaking up water.
Synthetic chemicals formerly used in DWR that are highly persistent and harmful to environments.
Brands are removing PFCs to create sustainable gear and stop pollutants entering the ecosystem.
How It Affects Durability
PFC-free gear requires much more frequent washing and reproofing to maintain its water resistance.
What is DWR?
DWR stands for Durable Water Repellent, and it is a treatment applied to fabrics and materials used in waterproof clothing to enhance their water-resistant properties. DWR does not make the fabric completely waterproof, but it helps in preventing it from becoming saturated with water.
The DWR coating works by creating a microscopic layer on the surface of the fabric, causing water to bead up and roll off rather than being absorbed. This allows the outer layer of the clothing to remain dry and helps maintain breathability, ensuring that moisture from sweat and body heat can escape.
What is PFC in DWR?
Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) have historically been used in the manufacturing of Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatments for waterproof clothing. PFCs are a group of synthetic chemicals known for their exceptional water and oil-repellent properties, making them effective in creating water-resistant surfaces on fabrics. The most common types of PFCs used in DWR treatments are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS).
The use of PFCs in DWR formulations has raised environmental and health concerns. PFCs are persistent in the environment and can bioaccumulate in organisms, potentially causing adverse effects on both human and environmental health. These concerns have led to increased scrutiny and a shift towards developing alternative, more environmentally friendly DWR technologies.
The PFC-Free Dilemma: Balancing Eco-Friendliness with Outdoor Gear Durability
As our awareness of environmental issues grows, so does our desire to make responsible choices in our everyday lives, including the products we use. In the realm of outdoor clothing, the shift towards PFC-free (perfluorinated compound-free) DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatments is a commendable step toward sustainability. However, with this eco-friendly shift comes a nuanced dilemma: the potential trade-off between environmental consciousness and the durability of outdoor gear.
The PFC-Free Movement:
Perfluorinated compounds, once prevalent in DWR treatments, have been associated with environmental and health concerns. To address these issues, many outdoor gear manufacturers are adopting PFC-free alternatives, which are designed to be less harmful to the environment and reduce the risks of bioaccumulation.
The Durability Challenge:
While the environmental benefits of PFC-free DWR are clear, the transition raises questions about the durability of outdoor gear. PFCs are known for their long-lasting water and oil-repellent properties, providing a robust shield against the elements. In contrast, having a PFC-free jacket, which is environmentally friendly, can cause the following issues that users need to be aware of:
- A less durable DWR coating, which will require the user to clean their waterproof clothing much more regularly. Even from the early stages of its life.
- Is more prone to staining from sweat, oil and other substances generated from your activity, as PFCs are less stain and oil-resistant.
- Due to the increase in wear from cleaning and reproofing, the garment may not have the life expectancy you may have experienced in owning waterproof clothing in the past.
The move to PFC-free waterproof clothing is permanent. While the environmental benefits are crucial, it means you must take a more active role in maintaining your gear.
Regular washing and reproofing are no longer optional; they are essential to keep your jacket performing on the hill. Look after your gear, and it will look after you. If you need advice on the right cleaning and reproofing products, drop into our King Street store in Blackburn or browse our garment care section online.
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