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Making an Impact: Removing Intentional PFAS by 2024

  • Ruffwear
  • •

As more and more canines and their humans gear up for their outdoor pursuits, sustainability and environmentally conscious gear remain a major topic of conversation. That’s where you may have started to hear more talk about PFAS, outdoor gear, and the related impacts to the planet.

What in the world are PFAS? And, what does it have to do with your dog’s gear? Let’s dig in.

What are PFAS?

PFAS stands for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (see why people shorten it to ‘PFAS’?), and for years, outdoor apparel and equipment have been treated with DWR/WR (durable water repellent/water repellent) finishes that can contain these chemicals.

Human and dog hiking by a waterfall

PFAS chemicals, while extremely effective in their performance as water- and oil-repellents, were discovered to have environmental risks.

They don’t break down easily in the environment, which means they can persist for long periods of time. When these chemicals enter bodies of water or soil, they can contaminate our drinking water and harm wildlife.

With all that in mind, there’s been a big shift toward developing and using materials not treated with PFAS in a lot of your (and your dog’s) favorite outdoor gear.

Dog Gear Made Without Intentionally Added PFAS by 2024

We’re on a continuous journey of minimizing the negative impacts of our business and maximizing the good. And, with most of the impacts from our business stemming from the materials we select for the gear we make, it’s an area where we’ve made some bold goals, including removing all intentional uses of PFAS by 2024.

Dog running through snow with human skiing in the background

In 2022, we began our efforts to eliminate the use of all intentionally added PFAS across our product line by 2024. All products with a DWR/WR finish manufactured on or after January 1, 2024 will use a bluesign® approved nonfluorinated DWR/WR finish.

This move has involved more than just making a swap. Our team’s been conducting thorough investigation and wear-testing to find the right nonfluorinated DWR/WR finish – one that meets our high design standards so as not to sacrifice performance on your end.

It’s just one step on the sustainability journey we’re committed to. We hope you (and your dog) will join us for it. And, if you’re interested to learn more about what other steps we’re taking, check out our recent Impact Report.

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