Suston Magazine

Apr 27, 2024

Entry into force of the PFAS ban planned for 2025 is around the corner, as is the legally binding recyclability of products via the new EU law Ecodesign for Sustainable Products. This leaves the outdoor industry with increasing pressure to react.

Membrane manufacturer Sympatex accepts the responsibility to protect consumers and pushes the industry towards more sustainable approaches through innovation and collaboration. Since 2016, the brand ‘s promise has been circularity by 2030. Sympatex produces polyester-based functional textiles from recycled and recyclable mono-materials. The brand will no longer use new materials from the oil industry in the future. Instead, used textiles are transformed into new, high-quality functional textiles.

As a pioneer for circular processes, climate protection, sustainable products and engagement, Sympatex combines high product performance (waterproof, windproof, breathable & durable membrane) with uncompromising responsibility for the coming generations.

High customer requirements and sustainability goes hand in hand and are not a contradiction. It is therefore Sympatex’s aim to do not only what is legally required but what is technically possible to optimize its products at every level. The brand establishes ecologically responsible thinking as a matter of course in the textile industry by setting an example for others.

The Sympatex membrane is PFAS-free and therefore PTFE-free. PFAS is a group of substances which, among others, is classified by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) as posing high environmental and health risks. PFAS does not occur naturally. Once created, they are persistent, non-degradable substances, that are permanently present in our environmental system and they lead to serious health problems such as cancer, miscarriage, birth defects, reduced immune response to vaccinations and weakened immune systems. In place of these extremely risky chemicals, that are frequently used in other membranes, the Sympatex membrane is made from polyetherester, a chain of polyester and polyether molecules. It therefore leaves less traces on our planet, is kind on the skin and can be recycled like a PET bottle. The performance of fluorine-free polyester membranes and PTFE-based membranes is very similar, in terms of being windproof, breathable and waterproof.

Photo: Sympatex