"Unfortunately, PFC substances are persistent and durable. Once released into the environment, they break down very slowly and remain there for several hundred years. Furthermore, they spread worldwide and accumulate in organisms."
What are PFCs and why are they dangerous?
Per- and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFC) are used in a variety of products due to their impregnating properties. PFC provide water, grease, and dirt-repellent properties to outdoor and work clothing such as jackets or shoes. Dirt-repellent carpets and impregnation sprays can contain these chemicals, as can paper cups or pizza boxes, as well as non-stick cookware or facade paint.
"Unfortunately, these substances are persistent and durable. Once released into the environment, they break down only very slowly and remain there for several hundred years. Furthermore, they spread worldwide and accumulate in organisms. They are detected in wastewater treatment plants, in water bodies, in drinking water, in the air, and even in blood and breast milk. Some PFCs can harm reproduction and trigger cancer."
Therefore PFC free - Environmental influences of PFC
PFCs are released during their own production, the production of PFC-containing products, and of course during the use of the products. We take up PFCs through the air, from water, and through food. Volatile PFCs can be inhaled. Stable, water-soluble PFCs enter wastewater from households and industry into sewage treatment plants and further into water bodies. This is because they are not broken down during treatment. Some PFCs can also enter soils with the sewage sludge, seep there, and contaminate groundwater. If the water is not treated with special processes, PFCs can also enter drinking water.
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Why are PFCs used in bicycle clothing?
PFCs are used in many bicycle products due to their special properties (oil repellency, impregnation, and stability). Their main area of application lies in breathable membranes for rain and wind jackets, as well as dirt-repellent and waterproof coatings and surface treatments. They are also used in tents, shoes, bags, and many other items.
Membranes for rain jackets should be waterproof and at the same time breathable. However, breathable membranes often consist of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). PTFE is a fluorinated polymer made up of fluorine and carbon. These membranes are also known under registered brand names: Gore-Tex® and Teflon®. PFCs are often used in their production. They are also used to make surfaces water-resistant and dirt-repellent through impregnation. This way, water beads off rain jackets better.
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All TRIPLE2 products are PFC free! Since the founding of triple2, we have exclusively used PFC free impregnated membranes and impregnations. We also recommend only PFC free impregnated products for subsequent impregnation, which are mostly based on wax.
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The alternative: PFC-free membranes and impregnations.
Tests have shown that PFC-free alternatives (C0) are similarly effective in terms of waterproof or water-repellent properties. However, oil and dirt repellency has not yet reached the same level as PFC-containing impregnations (C6 or C8). Nevertheless, PFC-free alternatives are continuously being developed. For cyclists, PFC-free constructed products are completely sufficient. Only in occupational safety or in the automotive sector are PFC-containing products sometimes still necessary.
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Care and regeneration of the impregnation
A PFC-free impregnation that is applied must also be regularly maintained. Jackets used in the mountain biking area, in particular, need to be washed more frequently. As a result, the impregnations applied to the surface of the jackets wear off and need to be renewed regularly.
The best way to achieve this is with a wash impregnation, as it can be applied very evenly. But impregnations in spray form also work very well and are easy to apply.
Washing impregnations for the washing machine are often applied together with a special detergent in the washing machine. Please be sure to follow the instructions of the product manufacturers!
Of course, there are also PFC-free manufactured, environmentally friendly products here.
"We recommend the environmentally friendly products from Nikwax for all TRIPLE2 styles. Specifically:"
Twin Tech Wash & TX.Direct (Washing impregnation)
TX.Direct® Spray-On (Spray Waterproofing)
'Since all our products are PFC-free, the often promoted reactivation of the impregnation using heat makes no sense and is not recommended.'
"This measure only works with PFC-containing products, where the alignment of the molecules is 'reoriented' by heat, thereby directing the moisture from the inside out in the right direction."
"This is not possible with PFC-free constructed membranes and impregnations. Therefore, we advise against regenerations in dryers or with irons!"
