Vaude has done it: Manufacturer from Tettnang completely dispenses with PFAS in its products

PFAS (perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) can be detected worldwide today - in drinking water, in soil and in the human body. These so-called perpetual chemicals are considered hazardous to health and carcinogenic, as they are not biodegradable and remain in the environment for a long time. Despite these risks, PFAS continue to be used in numerous products. Vaude decided over 15 years ago to gradually ban PFAS from all product groups. This transformation process is now complete with the 2025 summer collection: Vaude now completely dispenses with PFAS - from the Weather protection clothing from rucksacks, sleeping bags and shoes to waterproof tents. The complete phase-out required many years of intensive development work. PFAS were long regarded as the technical standard in the outdoor industry for Weather protection. High-performance alternatives were initially only available to a limited extent. Vaude made targeted investments in material research, worked with innovative partners and carried out extensive laboratory and practical tests to reliably fulfil the high functional requirements without PFAS.

Strategic corporate decision with exemplary character

"Dispensing with PFAS was a business decision for us," says Antje von Dewitz, Managing Director of Vaude. "It shows that high-performance weather protection is also possible without harmful eternal chemicals. The fact that we have consistently and successfully followed this challenging path to the complete phase-out of PFAS is an important milestone for Vaude - and the result of the committed cooperation of many colleagues and partners." Chemical management at Vaude, which has been systematically working on alternatives to fluorochemicals for many years, played a central role in this process. Step by step, all product groups have been converted - most recently also technically demanding components such as waterproof zips and tent materials.

Industry-wide effects and regulatory framework conditions

The PFAS phase-out makes it clear that high-performance solutions without PFAS are technically available today. An EU-wide regulatory framework would make a significant contribution to ensuring that such alternatives become established more quickly across the industry and become the standard. Binding requirements create fair competitive conditions and give companies that invest early the necessary planning security. Vaude, based in Tettnang in southern Germany, is a Fair Wear member with Leader status and is committed to fair working conditions worldwide. Founded in 1974, the family-owned company operates an EMAS-certified environmental management system and pursues a scientifically based net-zero climate strategy (SBTi).

Comprehensive information on the PFAS phase-out

Vaude provides various sources of information for consumers who would like to find out more about the PFAS phase-out. Under the title "PFAS in outdoor products: What you need to know!", the company offers basic information on the chemicals and their alternatives. The Vaude sustainability report contains detailed information on the topic of "Innovative materials and processes". There is also a video on YouTube in which Managing Director Antje von Dewitz performs a "shower test" with the Vaude rain jacket "Escape" can be seen without PFAS. These materials illustrate the functionality of PFAS-free products in practical use and provide an insight into the technical background of the development work.