Polartec says it will completely eliminate the use of PFAS (including PFC) in its durable water repellent (DWR) finishes, effective immediately. The functional fabrics will not make any sacrifices in terms of durability or water-repellent function despite the elimination of PFAS, Polartec claims. This new development fits seamlessly into the Polartec Eco-Engineering™ sustainability program. As part of its sustainability strategy, the company has placed special emphasis on maintaining performance and durability in the development of a DWR finish without PFAS. The new weather protection finish will be used in fabrics with Hardface® coating as well as in Polartec’s Power Shield®, Power Shield® Pro, NeoShell® and Windbloc® product categories. To achieve even better moisture management, the new subsidiary of Milliken unveiled that the technology will also be used in heat-insulating products from its Thermal Pro® and Alpha® fabric families. Production of the fabrics has already been converted to a DWR finish without PFAS and is available to brand partners immediately.
