Why

Water repellency doesn’t just keep you comfortable, it keeps you alive. But for decades now, the coatings used in apparel to improve water-repellency have relied on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, part of a chemical family known as PFAS. The manufacturing of these “forever chemicals” can accumulate in air, water, food and even our bodies, and they raise serious health concerns, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Where We Are

After more than 15 years of effort, we have dramatically reduced the use of intentionally added PFAS across our product lines, but it’s been a challenge. Between 2013 and 2016, we were able to fully phase out the use of long-chain (or C8) fluorocarbon-based treatments in DWR (durable water repellent) finishes, guided by studies that demonstrated C8’s negative impacts on environmental and human health. Instead, we began using C6, a shorter-chain fluorocarbon that, at the time, was considered a less harmful chemistry. After our switch, new research emerged showing that C6 is just as detrimental to us and the environment. That’s when we decided to start working toward water-repellent finishes and membranes made without any intentionally added PFAS.

In Fall 2019, we launched our first products with DWR finishes made without intentionally added PFAS, and in 2021, we introduced the Men’s and Women’s Dual Aspect Jacket and Bibs, which were also made without intentionally added perfluorinated chemicals for the DWR coating as well as the water-repellent membrane.

As of Fall 2024, 99% of Patagonia’s fabric, by weight, with water-repellent chemistries is made without intentionally added PFAS.

(Making sure your waterproof and water-repellent gear stays that way means giving it the proper care it needs. Remember, a clean shell is a happy shell. Check out our easy step-by-step guide for how to wash a waterproof jacket.)

What’s Next

After investing significant time and resources, we are in the process of making all of our membranes and water-repellent finishes without intentionally added PFAS by 2025. It’s been a journey of 15-plus years to get to where we are, with a robust compliance program to help ensure that all PFAS chemistry is kept out of our supply chain.

This critical switchover aligns with government legislation aimed at reducing manufacturing demand. Beginning January 1, 2025, California and New York will be the first states to ban the sale of certain textiles and clothing products that contain intentionally added PFAS. Other states and regions are expected to follow next.

We will continue to work within a shared supply chain and encourage other apparel brands to utilize solutions we’ve vetted and adopted. This collaboration can enable large-scale changes and success in more products made without intentionally added PFAS throughout the industry.