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Leaving PFAS Behind: Swix will achieve 100% PFAS-free production by the spring & summer 2025 collection

Leaving PFAS Behind: Swix will achieve 100% PFAS-free production by the spring & summer 2025 collection

After years of research and hard work, we’ve substantially reduced the use of PFAS in our products—from apparel to hard goods. We want to explain why it’s important to eliminate PFAS, where we stand today, and what challenges we still face.

What is PFAS?

For years, coatings in apparel and ski wax have relied on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, which are a class of thousands of synthetic organofluorine chemicals. Many different types of PFAS have been used for textile waterproofing and stain resistance or as moisture barriers for garments. Their strong fluorine-carbon bonds make PFAS very effective, but consequently, these chemicals typically don’t break down quickly and can accumulate in the environment.

Where are we?

Ski wax - PFAS-Free Since 2022: Ski wax is an important product for us at Swix, and PFAS were historically used industry-wide to enhance performance. Recognizing their environmental persistence we began phasing out PFAS already in 2013. By the 2021-2022 winter season, we stopped selling PFAS-containing waxes to the mass market (wholesale, own retail stores and our webshop) , replacing them with PFAS-free alternatives that maintained high performance. And by the winter season 2022-2023, before an official ban even existed, we were the first brand to stop selling PFAS waxes to professional athletes entirely.

What is next?

Apparel & ski equipment - Moving towards 100% PFAS-free production: We’ve also been working to remove PFAS from our apparel products. By the spring / summer 2025 collection, all Swix will be produced without any PFAS chemicals. Any remaining items with PFAS are due to older stock. Swix complies with the current and upcoming PFAS legislation in certain states of the US (e.g., California, New York State, Colorado and Minnesota)

Cleaner products, a little extra care

Making high-performing products without PFAS has been a long journey. Swix’s ski wax still delivers top results, but some of your gear, like jackets and backpacks, might need more care to reach the desired water repellency. You’ll need to reapply PFAS-free waterproofing more often and accept that stains might happen. We believe it’s worth it for a more sustainable product.

Minimizing contamination: Our current focus

As of Swix’s spring & summer 2025 collection, all products will be developed and produced without any intentionally added PFAS chemicals. Unfortunately, a low level cross-contamination at our suppliers remains a challenge. Most of our apparel is made in Asia, where PFAS is still used, which increases the risk of contamination. We’re working closely with our suppliers to help them eliminate PFAS and testing our products by a third party to ensure they meet our standards.