Ventile goes PFC-free with first renewable water repellent treatment

Ventile goes PFC-free with new water repellent treatment

Textile manufacturer Ventile says it has gone PFC (perfluorinated chemicals) free having developed what it claims is the industry’s first renewably sourced water repellent treatment of its kind.

Ventile has used developments in fabric technology to create a PFC-free renewably sourced water repellent treatment (DWR) finish that contains 63% renewable content from plant-based sources. Ventile says the sources were carefully selected from non-genetically modified (non-GMO) and non-food-source feedstock.

The company was keen to move away from PFC because of what it calls unnecessary environmental costs. It adds the move has been at the top of its agenda for a number of years.

In a statement on its website, Ventile explains an “incredible” amount of research and work was undertaken to ensure it can continue to drive sustainability within the textiles industry and commit to responsible practices throughout its production and innovation.

Over the past two years, Ventile says it worked with scientists, textile experts and dye houses to find a replacement for durable water repellent PFCs that would not compromise the quality of the fabric.

The company believes that based on its testing in both the lab and field, its new environmentally friendly PFC-free DWR continues to deliver the performance specifications relevant for the end-user.

Ventile marketing manager Daniel Odermatt said: “This is a milestone moment for Ventile, one which we are incredibly proud to announce after years in the making. As part of our commitment to environmental protection and sustainable textile production, moving to a PFC-free solution was the natural next step for our business.

“With the help of industry experts, we have created an environmentally friendly solution – a first of its kind in the textile industry – which continues to deliver the performance specifications Ventile fabric is renowned for.”

Ventile explains that moving to PFC-free is its most important achievement to date. The company is keen to use the launch to reaffirm its commitment to sustainable practices and going the extra mile to protect the planet, while maintaining high performance levels with its fabrics.