Greenpeace puts pressure on outdoor brands to phase out fluorocarbon chemistry

Greenpeace increases the pressure on leading outdoor brands to phase out fluorocarbon chemistry, by releasing a study which connected hazardous chemicals to outdoor articles found in the German, Swiss and Austrian retail market[1]. These markets are the most sensitive markets in the world with regard to awareness of environmental issues.

Critical findings of hazardous chemicals were found on outdoor textiles of major brands including Jack Wolfskin, The North Face, Marmot, Patagonia, adidas, Mammut, Mountain Equipment, Fjällräven, Kaikkialla, Vaude and others.

The culprits are fluorocarbon chemicals, more precisely per- and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), which are associated with hydrophobic finishes to achieve water and soil repellency in outdoor textiles.

Spiegel Online[2] , the online version of Germany´s leading news magazine, took up the story immediately. Spiegel Online and Greenpeace both reach a large audience which will raise the awareness of the general public.