Eco-friendly water-repellent treatments

Technical 3rd layer garments often feature water-repellent treatments today. 

For many years, these water-repellent finishes have been made from fluorocarbons, specifically perfluorocarbons (PFCs). These PFCs are hydrophobic to repel water, and lipophobic to repel grease.

These chemicals have been criticised by the scientific community and certain NGOs because PFCs are highly toxic, even in small doses. They are considered carcinogenic, endocrine-disrupting and extremely harmful to the environment, as they do not break down. 

AYAQ chooses fabrics without applied finishes for certain garments (1st or 2nd layers), to reduce the use of substances where they are neither necessary nor justified. 

For 3rd layers that require protection against water, AYAQ selects fabrics with a PFC-free water-repellent treatment. 

Since whistleblowers raised the alarm in 2015, alternative PFC-free finishes have been developed and improved, offering outstanding water repellency that comfortably meets the demands of intensive mountain activities. 

One limitation remains for now: compared with PFC treatments, these alternatives are slightly less effective in terms of wash durability and grease-stain resistance. 

Recognising the urgent need to protect our planet, AYAQ prioritises the environment over "stain-resistant" performance.