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PFAS (perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) are now detectable worldwide - in drinking water, in soil and in the human body. These so-called perpetual chemicals are considered hazardous to health and carcinogenic as they are not biodegradable and remain in the environment for a long time. Despite these risks, PFAS continue to be used in numerous products. Vaude decided over 15 years ago to gradually ban PFAS from all product groups. This transformation process has been completed with the 2025 summer collection: Vaude now completely eliminates PFAS - from weather protection clothing to backpacks, sleeping bags and shoes to waterproof tents. The complete phase-out required many years of intensive development work. PFAS were long regarded as the technical standard for weather protection in the outdoor industry. High-performance alternatives were initially only available to a limited extent. Vaude invested specifically in material research, worked together with innovative partners and carried out extensive laboratory and practical tests in order to reliably fulfil the high functional requirements even without PFAS.
PFAS waiver: "an entrepreneurial decision"
"Dispensing with PFAS was a business decision for us," says Antje von Dewitz, Managing Director of Vaude. "It shows that high-performance weather protection is also possible without harmful eternal chemicals. The fact that we have consistently and successfully followed this challenging path to the complete phase-out of PFAS is an important milestone for Vaude - and the result of the committed cooperation of many colleagues and partners." Chemical management at Vaude, which has been systematically working on alternatives to fluorochemicals for many years, played a central role in this process. Step by step, all product groups have been converted - most recently also technically demanding components such as waterproof zips and tent materials.
The PFAS phase-out makes it clear that high-performance solutions without PFAS are technically available today. An EU-wide regulatory framework would make a significant contribution to ensuring that such alternatives become established more quickly across the industry and become the standard. Binding requirements create fair competitive conditions and give companies that invest early the necessary planning security. Vaude, based in Tettnang in southern Germany, is a Fair Wear member with Leader status and is committed to fair working conditions worldwide. Founded in 1974, the family-owned company operates an EMAS-certified environmental management system and pursues a scientifically based net-zero climate strategy (SBTi).
Vaude offers further information on PFAS
Vaude provides various sources of information for consumers who would like to find out more about the PFAS phase-out. Under the title "PFAS in outdoor products: What you need to know!", the company provides basic information on the chemicals and their alternatives. The Vaude sustainability report contains detailed information on the topic of "Innovative materials and processes". There is also a video on YouTube in which Managing Director Antje von Dewitz performs a "shower test" with the Vaude rain jacket "Escape" can be seen without PFAS. These materials illustrate the functionality of PFAS-free products in practical use and provide an insight into the technical background of the development work.
Matthias Borchers
Editor
