DWR treatment: PFC-free waterproofness

OUR COMMITMENT TO PREFERRED MATERIALS

At Karpos, we’ve increased our use of preferred-origin fabrics and technologies (bio-based, recycled, and recyclable) in developing our new collections, thus reducing the impact on the environment, animals, and people compared to the (fossil fuel–based) alternatives commonly adopted in the manufacturing industry.

The preference for responsibly sourced materials has been guiding our research and development activities since the design of the Spring/Summer 2021 collection, with the aim of ensuring the “responsible performance” of our products. Our commitment starts with sharing the “Recycle, Reuse, Rethink” approach to the development of new collections promoted by MVC Group and is made possible thanks to the evolution of our network of suppliers, who are committed to offering more sustainable solutions.

PFC-FREE DWR TREATMENT IN THE FALL / WINTER 25 COLLECTION

The C6 DWR treatment (which until 2025 was the standard in the outdoor industry) applied to water-repellent garments contains molecules such as fluorine (PFC, PFOA, or PFAS are the acronyms most used to indicate them), which has hydrophobic properties. These substances form a film that, in contact with the outer layer, the insulation, or the intermediate layer of a jacket, fleece, or pair of pants, traps moisture, thus preventing its passage into the underlying layers.

However, multiple studies have shown how these compounds are gradually released into our bodies (especially attacking the endocrine glands), into waterways, and into the environment, with medium- to long-term negative effects on the health of the user, animals, the soil, and the air we breathe.

The effects of “forever chemicals” were first denounced in 2012 by Greenpeace, which has provided supporting evidence of these substances’ toxicity with investigations and studies. In recent years, laws issued by national and international bodies first restricted the number of PFAS permitted and then banned their use. This is what has happened in some U.S. states, where the production and sale of garments containing PFAS is prohibited as of January 1, 2025. Although a ban has not yet been announced in Europe, at Karpos we are committed to using PFC-free DWR treatments, both in continuing products from previous collections and in the new products of the Fall/Winter 25 collection.

Compliance with current regulations is therefore accompanied by the intention to play an active role in the outdoor industry, with the awareness that our contribution can have an immediate and decisive impact.

RECYCLED FABRICS IN THE FALL / WINTER 25 COLLECTION

Overall, in the development of all the shells (jackets and pants) in our collection, we’ve given preference to a PFC-free DWR treatment, where this treatment is applied, over the previous C6 standard. Furthermore, 72% of the jackets and 54% of the pants contain 100% fabrics with PFC-free treatment (where this is applied).

The results achieved are an incentive for us to continue our commitment to developing increasingly responsible garments. For this reason, we pay great attention to the evolution of research and of the fabrics offered by our suppliers, with the aim of using only fabrics with PFC-free treatment in future collections.

DWR TREATMENT FAQ

What substances does the PFC-free DWR treatment consist of?
The C0 DWR treatment is obtained by replacing chemical substances with silicones or other wax-based polymers or those derived from plants, which are nontoxic to the skin and the environment and are naturally fluorocarbon free.

How can I recognize Karpos garments containing only fabrics with PFC-free treatment?
Starting with the Fall/Winter 25 collection, garments containing 100% fabrics with PFC-free DWR treatment (where this treatment is applied) can be identified by the special tag.

Following is the list of garments with these characteristics:

2511032 PIZZO BIANCO JACKET

2521069 PIZZO BIANCO PANTS

2512019 MIDI SHELL W JACKET

2522035 MIDI SHELL W PANTS

2512032 PIZZO BIANCO W JACKET

2522069 PIZZO BIANCO W PANTS

2511045 MARMAROLE UP JACKET

2511019 MIDI SHELL JACKET

2522001 ALAGNA PLUS 2.0 W BERMUDA

2522000 ALAGNA PLUS 2.0 W SKIRT

2521035 MIDI SHELL PANTS

2511040 ALAGNA PLUS 2.0 JACKET