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Made without PFAS
High performance Gear without PFAS
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of chemicals used in various industries, including outdoor gear, for their ability to repel water, oil, and stains. These chemicals are often referred to as "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment or the human body. PFAS contamination can spread through water, soil, and air, and exposure is linked to numerous health concerns, such as cancer, immune system issues, and developmental delays. Their persistence and widespread use in everyday products have made them a global environmental and public health challenge.
In the outdoor gear industry, PFAS were traditionally added to create Durable Water Repellency (DWR) in textiles. Finding an alternative that offers the same level of performance has been a significant challenge for the outdoor industry.
No DWR - no PFAS
EXPED sleeping mats have always been made without DWR and without additionally added PFAS. Only a few product groups, such as tents, backpacks, and drybags rely on DWR for water repellency and were thus treated with these chemicals. We spent years searching for alternative water repellency treatments that meet the required performance of each individual fabric. Despite challenges such as supply chain issues and the Covid-19 pandemic, we managed to phase out all intentionally added PFAS from our textile product range by the end of 2024.
Chemical Compliance
We work closely with suppliers and perform independent tests to ensure our products contain zero PFAS. We follow global industry best practices, i.e. Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and European Outdoor Group (EOG) guidance, to align with government legislations banning PFAS from textile products.
We fully support the evolving regulations, such as PFAS bans in California and New York and upcoming European legislation. Investigating other harmful substances in our production processes help us to minimize environmental impact further. Industry standards such as the bluesign® system include restrictions of harmful chemicals like PFAS. We work with bluesign® system partners for our textile product range.
At EXPED, sustainability is an ongoing commitment. By innovating and collaborating, we aim to set new standards for environmentally friendly outdoor gear.