At SAILIZ, we have always had a clear mission: to create high-quality technical sailing gear while respecting our commitment to the environment and our customers’ health. That’s why we made the essential decision not to use PFCs (perfluorocarbons) in our products. But what are PFCs, and why is it crucial to avoid their use? We explain it to you here.

What are PFCs?

The perfluorocarbons (PFCs) are a class of chemical compounds used for decades in many consumer products for their water-repellent and stain-resistant properties. They are commonly found in textiles, coatings, food packaging, kitchen utensils, and even fire-fighting foams. However, choosing not to use PFCs is essential to preserve the environment and user health. Indeed, these chemical substances persist in the environment, accumulate in the food chain, and can cause long-term harmful effects on human and animal health. Opting for PFC-free alternatives is therefore a responsible step, reducing these risks and protecting both the planet and its inhabitants.

The Dangers of PFCs

PFCs are extremely persistent in the environment. Once released, they do not degrade easily and can remain in water and soil for hundreds of years. This persistence means they can accumulate in the food chain, reaching toxic levels in animals and humans. Numerous studies have also shown that PFCs are associated with harmful health effects, including hormonal disorders, developmental problems, and an increased risk of certain cancers. By choosing not to use PFCs, we help reduce these risks.

Our Commitment to the Environment and Health

At SAILIZ, we firmly believe it is our responsibility to protect not only the magnificent marine environments our customers sail in, but also their health. Therefore, not using PFCs in our gear is a deliberate choice to reduce our environmental impact and offer a healthier future.

We know that every action counts, and by choosing not to use these toxic compounds, we actively contribute to the protection of oceans and biodiversity. Moreover, this decision also protects our customers’ health, by ensuring safer products that are more respectful of their well-being. This choice is a priority for us, as it represents a deep commitment to a cleaner and more planet-friendly future.

Sustainable and High-Performance Alternatives

Our commitment to not using PFCs does not mean we compromise on the performance of our products. On the contrary, we have invested in the research and development of alternative and sustainable treatments that offer water-repellent and stain-resistant properties without the dangers associated with PFCs. Our innovative fabrics provide effective protection against the elements while being safe for the user and respectful of the planet.

Why Your Choice Matters

By choosing PFC-free sailing gear, you are making a conscious and responsible choice for the planet and your health. Every purchase from SAILIZ supports sustainable practices and contributes to the reduction of chemical pollution. By deciding not to use PFCs in your equipment, you contribute to a cleaner and healthier future for all.

The Role of Outdoor Brands in the Fight Against PFCs

In July 2016, Greenpeace raised an alarm, stating: “If outdoor brands truly love nature, they must start by ceasing to pollute it.” This statement followed air analyses conducted in European and Asian sports stores, revealing alarming concentrations of volatile PFCs, reaching up to 60 times usual indoor levels and 1,000 times outdoor levels. These overwhelming results pointed to items saturated with persistent chemical compounds sold in these stores.

True to its proactive policy, Greenpeace had already proposed a solution in 2011 with the “Greenpeace Detox Commitment” charter. Signatories of this charter committed to eliminating all pollutants from their supply chain by 2020. Among the few companies that joined this initiative, VAUDE, a mountain equipment specialist, had joined this movement as early as 2015. Six years later, VAUDE’s commitment remains an example to follow in the industry.

Greenpeace doesn’t just talk; the NGO acts on the ground to denounce polluters and propose concrete solutions. As early as 2011, it highlighted that global textile production had more than doubled since 2002, largely fueled by outdoor products, and that the quantity of polluting waste had increased tenfold. Despite this awareness, few brands took drastic measures to counter this pollution, often due to costs and technical challenges.

However, consumer pressure is increasingly pushing outdoor brands not to use PFCs to protect nature. Greenpeace’s 2016 investigation highlighted a crucial weakness in the manufacturing of outdoor equipment: PFCs, perfluorinated or polyfluorinated compounds, which are highly persistent and toxic.

Outdoor brands must imperatively commit to environmentally friendly practices to protect the nature they cherish so much. Initiatives like the “Greenpeace Detox Commitment” and examples from brands like VAUDE show the way forward for a more sustainable and healthy future.

At SAILIZ, our mission goes beyond creating high-performance technical sailing apparel. We are committed to preserving the environment and protecting our customers’ health. Not using PFCs in our products is an essential decision that reflects our values and our vision for a better world. Together, let’s choose sustainability and responsibility for a future where sea adventures are in harmony with nature.

Thank you for being part of our journey towards safer and more sustainable sailing gear. 🌊⛵️

Join us in this commitment and discover our complete range of PFC-free sailing gear on our SAILIZ website.