Performance without PFAS
PFAS chemicals to be eliminated entirely from SS26 collection onwards.
By: Tom Clive
16.03.2026
As part of the rollout of our new Spring/Summer 26 collection, we’re pleased to share that PFAS chemicals are now eliminated from our entire range. We have now upgraded the final style containing this man-made chemical – the Zeroweight Dual Dry running jacket – with a PFAS-free alternative.
This jacket was inarguably the most challenging product to move away from PFAS without compromising performance, but more on that later…
Fully moving away from PFAS represents a big step forward in our Choose with Care commitment. We’ve been steadily stepping back from these chemicals since 2019, and we’re pleased to now close the loop on this objective.
What is PFAS?
PFAS are a group of man-made “forever chemicals” used since the 1940s for everything from non-stick pans and food packaging to tents and outdoor gear. They are effective at providing water, stain, and oil resistance. While extremely effective at what they do, they are increasingly being avoided due to environmental and health risks. In February 2025, France passed a new law that will ban PFAS in several products, from clothing to cosmetics. PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down naturally. Traces have been found in far corners of the Earth – from Mount Everest Base Camp to the Arctic. The elimination of PFAS supports future circularity initiatives in our industry, making fabrics easier to recycle or safely dispose of at the end of life.
Why are they used in the apparel industry?
For Odlo, some of our jackets require an ultra-thin Durable Water Repellent (or DWR for short). DWR is a polymer applied to the outermost fabric layers of jackets to reduce surface tension, so when the fabric gets wet, water rolls off and the wearer stays comfortable inside. DWR prompts water to bead rather than soak through. Without it, fabric membranes would still technically keep you dry, but the fabric would cling to your body and appear wet – a definite compromise on comfort. There are two types of DWR used in the apparel industry: C6 DWR and C0 DWR. Since the phase out of C8 DWR, C6 has been seen as the “stepping-stone” to PFAS free options like C0. The number stands for the length of the chain of carbon in the chemical formula of these finishes. The longer the chain, the more complex the formula and the harder it is for this chemical compound to break down.
For heavy-duty jackets, transitioning to C0 was easier because they use a hydrophobic membrane that repels water preventing moisture from soaking into the fabric. The real challenge came with lightweight, breathable, soft-shell jackets that require a hydrophilic membrane that instead attracts moisture, pulling away sweat from your skin to transfer it outside of the garment. In these types of jackets, the membrane is transporting moisture vapour (sweat) to pass through from the inside of the garment to the outside, while the outer fabric DWR is repelling the rain. Therefore, it is crucial to find the right balance of breathability and waterproofness so that the jacket feels comfortable during the activity.
Our partners have been tirelessly working and adjusting the balance of the C0 PFAS-free DWR so that it beads water in the same way. It’s taken time, but now there is a solution that works without compromising on performance. Our Dual Dry Jacket has finally reached the result that we worked so hard for, to maintain its promise of breathability and rain protection during your run.
How to care for your PFAS-free jacket
All our PFAS-free products are superstars. They will keep you every bit as comfortable as your old jackets – they just need a little care, like all products made to last.
While water repellency is every bit as good as before, PFAS-free jackets lose some of their oil repellency during use, making them more susceptible to getting dirty from body oils, sunscreen and dirt. Therefore, it’s more important to wash and dry your jacket regularly. Please don’t hesitate to do this – you’re doing it good!
Putting your shell in the dryer for 20 minutes after washing (low heat) will bring optimal water repellency and reactivate the C0 DWR finish. Keep calm – it won’t melt. The heat helps by reactivating the repellency of the fabric. If you want detailed information on how to care for your waterproof jacket, check out our Care Guide on Odlo.com.
We also recommend reproofing your jacket, especially after a couple of years of persistent use. You can do it yourself at home by adding products, such as Nikwax, into the regular wash of your jacket. If you prefer to seek professional help, our repair partners can perform these types of wash for you. If your Odlo jacket is in warranty, you even get this service for free! Please head to the store locator to find the closest Odlo shop and ask our expert store staff to arrange this for you. More information about our repair service can be found on our website.