With the fluorine ban bringing significant changes to cross-country skiing, it’s easy to forget that the same substances—PFAS—have long been common in outdoor clothing and equipment.

Fjällräven is one of the companies leading the way in phasing out fluorine and other harmful chemicals. Could their solutions and experiences offer inspiration for the future of skiing?

The general fluorine ban in cross-country skiing came into effect on July 3, 2023, applying to all competitors in races sanctioned by FIS or the Swedish Ski Association. Fjällräven has undergone a similar transition, working to eliminate PFOA and PFAS from its entire production chain.

What Are PFAS?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), sometimes referred to as highly fluorinated compounds, are known for their persistence in the environment. Their resistance to degradation, combined with their water solubility and mobility in soil, poses a long-term risk to drinking water supplies. PFAS exposure occurs throughout the entire life cycle of these substances, from manufacturing to disposal. (Source: Swedish Chemicals Agency, www.kemi.se)

The Search for Eco-Friendly Alternatives

Both the outdoor industry and the ski world are engaged in a race to develop new, environmentally friendly materials and methods that can still offer competitive advantages. Felix Aejmelaeus-Lindström, a sustainability and chemical expert at Fjällräven, explains the company’s long journey toward becoming PFAS-free.

“The first step for Fjällräven was accepting that this was something we simply couldn’t justify in our products,” says Aejmelaeus-Lindström.

The challenge, however, was that PFAS were deeply embedded in various stages of production and widely used by suppliers.

“The obvious applications were in waterproofing treatments and membranes. But when we dug deeper, we found that some fabric manufacturers even treated sewing thread with PFAS to reduce friction, allowing for faster sewing.”

Transforming the Entire Production Chain

Implementing such a large-scale change, affecting almost the entire production chain, was no easy feat. Fjällräven’s journey toward PFAS-free production actually began in 2008.

“The products were highly effective in their intended function. Many suppliers questioned why we wanted to switch to something that, in the end, would require more maintenance from customers—such as reapplying waterproofing or taking extra care of their gear. Convincing them took a long time,” explains Aejmelaeus-Lindström.

After phasing out PFAS, Fjällräven continues to seek new sustainable alternatives for the benefit of the environment and future generations. Their most well-known solution is Greenland Wax, made from paraffin and beeswax. Similarly, the ski industry is searching for alternatives that can replicate fluorine’s efficiency without harming the environment.

By sharing research findings and fostering cross-industry collaborations—such as those within RISE’s chemical group—technological advancements can be accelerated. Perhaps the same innovations that work for waterproofing jackets could also prove effective for ski wax?

Education: The Key to Success

Innovation alone won’t solve the problem unless users understand and embrace these changes. Fjällräven has invested heavily in educating customers on how to care for their gear, such as regularly re-waxing jackets. This is similar to how skiers must learn new waxing routines with fluorine-free alternatives and adapt their equipment maintenance.

A broader understanding of why these changes are necessary—from an environmental and long-term sustainability perspective—can reduce resistance to the increased demands on users. Here, industries that have already navigated this transition, like Fjällräven, can inspire the ski world to communicate more effectively with its athletes and customers.

“It has been challenging to explain to customers that a Fjällräven jacket requires more care than a PFAS-treated one. However, it has a smaller environmental footprint and contains none of these harmful substances.”

PFOA and PFAS – What’s the Difference?

PFAS is an umbrella term that includes PFOA. Since 2020, PFOA has been banned from sale within the EU. However, PFOA is just one of thousands of PFAS compounds, according to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. This has led to some confusion among consumers regarding labels such as “PFOA-free,” as other PFAS substances may still be present in these products.

Studies have linked PFAS exposure to various health conditions, including:

• Gastrointestinal diseases
• Thyroid disorders
• Testicular and kidney cancer
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Exposure can also contribute to weakened immune responses in children, liver damage, lower birth weight, and reduced fertility. However, the risks depend on the level of exposure and the timing in a person’s life.

A Shared Vision for the Future

A crucial step forward is making sustainability a competitive advantage rather than a trade-off. When regulations align and create a level playing field for all market players, innovation can thrive without businesses fearing a loss of market share. Both the outdoor and ski industries have an opportunity to integrate their eco-friendly transitions into their branding strategies.

By combining technological development with clear consumer education and a shared vision for sustainability, these industries can lead the way for others—demonstrating that it is possible to be environmentally conscious without compromising performance.

Phasing out fluorinated substances is not just a technical challenge; it’s also about changing behaviors and values. By learning from each other, both the skiing and outdoor industries can drive the transition toward a more sustainable future.

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