Eco-Friendly DWR Treatments

Technical third-layer garments today often feature durable water repellent (DWR) treatments.

For many years, these DWR finishes have been made with fluorocarbons, specifically perfluorocarbons (PFCs). These PFCs are hydrophobic to repel water and lipophobic to resist oils and grease.

These chemicals have been criticized by the scientific community and NGOs because PFCs are highly toxic even in small amounts. They are considered carcinogenic, endocrine disruptors, and extremely harmful to the environment as they do not degrade.

AYAQ selects fabrics without applied finishes for some layers (first or second) to reduce chemical use when unnecessary and unjustified.

For third layers requiring water protection, AYAQ chooses fabrics with PFC-free durable water repellent treatments.

Since whistleblowers raised concerns in 2015, PFC-free alternatives have been developed and improved, offering excellent water repellency that meets the demands of intense mountain activities.

One current limitation is slightly lower durability in wash resistance and oil stain repellency compared to PFC-based treatments.

Prioritizing urgent environmental protection, AYAQ favors eco-friendly solutions over maximum "stain resistance" performance.