Greenfield.com:What new technological developments has SympaTex introduced? Could you explain?
Tony:In early 2014, SympaTex launched SympaTex Phaseable®, an intelligent temperature-regulating fabric that controls surface moisture and temperature through smart composite technology.
The SympaTex R&D team, after years of testing and research, developed the latest Phaseable® technology to address the breathability and sweat-wicking needs of outdoor enthusiasts, applying bionics and multiple technologies. This new eco-compatible 3D intelligent composite technology accelerates sweat vapor expulsion and intelligently regulates body surface humidity and temperature.
The uniqueness of Phaseable® technology lies in the innovative application of a new 3D intelligent print dot layer laminated to the base of SympaTex functional fabrics.
The 2.5-layer composite fabric utilizing Phaseable® technology consists of a base fabric, a SympaTex membrane layer, and 3D intelligent print dots. During actual wear, in a static, non-active state, this structural design allows the wearer’s skin to only touch the 3D intelligent print dots. By leveraging the raised and recessed effects of these dots, the skin is kept at a distance from the membrane, reducing air flow on the skin surface and preventing heat loss. During intense physical activity, the design allows the hydrophilic membrane to absorb sweat and swell, eliminating the raised and recessed effects of the 3D intelligent print dots, increasing the contact area with the skin, enhancing the moisture and vapor permeability of the functional garment, and improving overall comfort.
The 2.5-layer composite fabric using Phaseable® technology offers the durability of a 3-layer composite while maintaining the lightweight advantage of a 2-layer one. By integrating SympaTex’s high-performance membrane, it achieves 100% waterproofing (20,000 mm) and 100% windproofing. SympaTex’s new Phaseable® technology combines functionality, individuality, and fashionable design while adhering to SympaTex’s corporate principles—committing to ecological responsibility, being 100% free of harmful solvents, using environmentally friendly production processes, and effectively reducing carbon emissions through 100% EU-compliant manufacturing procedures, thereby upholding its promise to protect the global environment.
Behavior under calm, non-active conditions:
The raised and recessed effect created by 3D intelligent print dots keeps the skin at a distance from the membrane, reduces air flow on the skin surface, and prevents heat loss.
Performance under intense activity conditions:
During intense physical activity, the hydrophilic membrane absorbs sweat vapor and swells, eliminating the raised and recessed effects of 3D intelligent print dots, increasing the contact area with the skin, accelerating air flow on the skin surface, and enhancing moisture and vapor permeability.
Greenfield.com:For a long time, SympaTex has been committed to environmental protection. Aside from the PTFE-free membrane, are there any other examples?
Tony:As you mentioned, the Sympatex® membrane is PTFE-free, which also means it contains no fluorine compounds and is completely safe. The main structure of this membrane is made from entirely safe and environmentally friendly compounds such as polyether esters, polyesters, and polyether molecules. This makes it absolutely safe for use in clothing that comes into direct contact with the skin. Moreover, it can be recycled. Other types of membranes, which mainly consist of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), may release PFCs (per- and polyfluorinated chemicals/fluorine compounds) when heated or burned, posing safety hazards to the production environment.
The performance of SympaTex®’s PTFE-free polyester membrane is very similar to that of PTFE-type membranes and can fully replace them for outdoor use, meeting the requirements for windproofing, waterproofing, and breathability in outdoor activities.
Waterproofing – Real-world immersion experience
To meet the needs for functionality and care, outer layers of outdoor functional garments are generally treated with waterproofing (impregnation).
When producing functional garments, the SympaTex® membrane also takes waterproofing needs into account. The product undergoes waterproof treatment to ensure long-term water repellency of the textile.
A DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating is used to restore the water repellency of functional garments. This treatment ensures that water droplets form beads or simply roll off the garment surface upon contact.
The benefit of restoring water repellency in functional garments is that it helps maintain excellent waterproofing over time, prevents the garment from absorbing moisture, and ensures great waterproof and breathable performance, resulting in a superior wearing experience.
Environmental impact of C8 and C6 fluorinated compounds
Long-chain C8 fluorinated compounds
Since the mid-20th century, perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs)—in which hydrogen atoms in the carbon structure are entirely or partially replaced by fluorine atoms—have been used in commercial production.
The synthesis of these chemical products is not derived from natural extracts, and perfluorocarbons (PFCAs, such as perfluorooctanoic acid – PFOA) are now widely used in the apparel industry.
Current research has found that these widely used fluorinated elements are not easily degradable and can be released into water sources and the atmosphere through factors such as heat, water immersion, and UV exposure, posing risks to humans and other living organisms. Scientists have already detected the presence of these compounds in human and animal blood samples worldwide.
These substances mainly enter the human body through the respiratory system. To date, investigations have found that, aside from perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), other chemical components can also be absorbed through the skin.
Therefore, since 2006, efforts have begun worldwide to phase out the production of harmful and toxic ski wax chemicals, replacing them with environmentally friendly, harmless, and healthy chemical alternatives.
Since 2006, the European Union has started listing these chemicals as banned substances.
They were included in the EU Directive 2006/122/EC in 2006 and the Hazardous Substances Regulation and Chemical Prohibition Regulation in 2008. They were also added to the Stockholm Convention’s restricted use list for perfluorooctane sulfonates (PFOS) in 2009.
So far, there are no specific regulations limiting PFOA. However, Germany’s Federal Environment Agency (UBA) has included PFOA on the list of chemicals suspected of being toxic to the reproductive system. It has also been listed in the REACH authorization process.
SympaTex? – an environmentally friendly alternative
BIONIC FINISH ECO? – free of fluorocarbons
Since mid-2008, Sympatex? has offered consumers an environmentally friendly, fluorocarbon-free DWR (durable water repellent) product. This eco-friendly textile solution was developed in partnership with Rudolf Chemie.
This product is BIONIC FINISH ECO?. In fact, Sympatex? was the first company to research and develop fluorocarbon-free, eco-friendly DWR technology for textiles.
SympaTex? – 100% PFC-free products
PFC-free products deliver comparable performance and fully meet the requirements of all outdoor activities. The impregnation includes functional properties such as oil repellency, making it a viable alternative. In its apparel business, since 2008, Sympatex has been providing and using PTFE membranes and 100% PFC-free finishers.
Background on Greenpeace’s “Detox” campaign
Since 2008, Greenpeace has been actively promoting and collaborating with SympaTex on its PFC-free products. The ban on toxic chemicals containing PFCs has been repeatedly emphasized and advocated by Greenpeace for large-scale prohibition. Based on its investigations and research, Greenpeace reiterated this stance in its October 2012 report titled “The Toxic Threads of Everyday Life,” further validating Sympatex’s commitment to developing and producing fluorine-free products as the right choice. Committed to environmental sustainability, Sympatex produces healthy products for consumers. The findings also encourage Sympatex to continue on this righteous path.
Actions and reactions in the outdoor industry and chemical suppliers
As part of its global “Detox” campaign, the international environmental organization Greenpeace has called on the textile industry to commit to zero discharge and supply chains free of hazardous chemicals, while also requiring concrete plans to achieve these goals.
With advocacy from multiple international organizations, especially Greenpeace, the outdoor industry has gradually initiated efforts to replace harmful PFCs with non-hazardous alternative coatings and chemicals.
PFCs are among the 11 hazardous substances singled out on the “Detox” list and are known to be directly harmful to human health. In 2011, a joint statement initiative by several major international clothing and footwear brands—including Puma, Adidas, Nike, H&M, and Li-Ning—pledged to achieve zero discharge and eliminate hazardous chemicals by 2020. These brands committed to not producing any toxic substances and to preventing the release of harmful substances into nature.
All members mentioned in the “Joint Statement” planned to follow up with comprehensive measures aligned with the ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) declaration. This includes replacing long-chain C8 fluorocarbons with less harmful short-chain C6 or C4 fluorocarbons. The goal is to achieve “C0” (zero fluorocarbons) by 2020. In other words, using products that are completely free of harmful PFCs, which are already being produced and used in the industry and chemical sector.
Under the U.S. EPA’s 2010/2015 PFOA regulatory program, major chemical manufacturers, including DuPont and Clariant, voluntarily pledged to completely eliminate PFOA, a toxic chemical, from production by 2015. They also committed to replacing it with more environmentally friendly, low-emission alternatives.
Green Trail Network:Does SympaTex face development challenges in achieving both ecological responsibility and sustainable functionality in fabrics?
Tony:The effectiveness of fluorocarbon-free (C0) DWR restorative products in outdoor sportswear.
They ensure the performance of these products matches that of any comparable alternatives:
-- Superior waterproofing compared to similar products
-- Functional differentiation
-- No added weight to garments
-- Excellent wearing comfort
-- Outstanding breathability
Restricted-use fluorocarbon-containing products:
-- Less effective at repelling oil stains
--Prone to degradation after washing
--Performance is prone to degradation when washed at temperatures exceeding 40°C
Footwear and Uniforms Business Unit
If the textile only requires waterproofness, an environmentally safe, PFC-free water repellent product can fully meet the usage requirements. However, if other factors such as dirt resistance, oil repellency, ease of cleaning (simple removal of dirt and stains), or suitability for dry cleaning need to be considered, products using FC restorers still require further related research and development.
Future Development
Through close collaboration with specialized textile formulation producers, SympaTex? continuously conducts scientific research and practical production on paraffin-based, polyurethane, or dendritic-based products. Environmentally safe DWR (durable water repellent) restorative products as alternatives to C8, C6, and other carbon-fluorine compound treated footwear-related products are currently in the planning and testing stages. It is believed that fluorocarbon-free DWR fabric restorative products will soon see rapid popularization.
Green Field Network:Everyone has always been curious—can SympaTex clothing really go in the washing machine?
Tony:The true standout of the Sympatex membrane—it is non-porous, and not merely based on chemical and physical principles. The hydrophilic (water-attracting) components of the Sympatex membrane draw moisture from the body and transport it to the outside so it can evaporate. At the same time, the membrane’s non-porous structure prevents rain from penetrating. This means Sympatex garments are very easy to care for. Unlike microporous membranes, the Sympatex membrane does not get clogged by dirt or sweat (salt crystals) and can maintain its functionality over the long term and continuously. Even after frequent washing, detergent residues (surfactants) will not affect the non-porous membrane-made garments and their full performance is preserved. Therefore, no matter how many times you wash the clothes—100% functionality and optimal breathability are guaranteed.
Sympatex Functional Waterproof Garment Washing, Drying, and Ironing Guide
Sympatex functional waterproof garments can be washed in a washing machine using good-quality detergents or special detergents for functional textiles at 40°C or 60°C on a gentle cycle. Reducing the spin speed when using a washing machine can better care for Sympatex functional waterproof garments. Please note that using fabric softeners may damage the DWR (durable water repellent) finish, but it will not affect the waterproof function of the Sympatex membrane. Sympatex functional waterproof garments can be dry cleaned, but dry cleaning is generally not necessary. We recommend using a dryer to tumble dry the Sympatex functional waterproof garments at low temperature and low rotation speed. Sympatex functional waterproof garments can be ironed, but the iron should not exceed 110°C as labeled. We also recommend referring to the garment's care label instructions before washing Sympatex functional waterproof garments.
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