Our perspective on PFAS.
Increasingly often, you hear and read about "PFAS" – however, what exactly are these, actually?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds. It’s a term for a whole range of compounds that make products waterproof. PFAS are used almost everywhere: from cosmetics and medical products to household appliances, car parts, outdoor jackets…and even shoes. The good thing about them is their water-repellent properties: it makes products durable. Their disadvantage is that they biodegrade only very, very slowly and some even not at all in the environment. They are therefore also often referred to as “forever chemicals”.
However, their benefits can also be achieved differently: with alternatives such as silicones or waxes.
We not only care about the health of our customers and their feet, but also about protecting the environment. Our strategy has therefore already included focusing on the sustainability of our collections for decades, and we are consistently pursuing this for all of our brands on the basis of our legero united sustainability agenda, or luna, for short. That is also why a large part of our collections is made from leather, as it is a natural product.
To ensure that it can withstand wet weather, we treat our leathers with non-toxic silicones or waxes. However, textile shoes that can withstand even the wettest rainy weather have to be made from special, water-repellent and durable upper materials. Wherever possible, we use PFAS free material components. At the same time, we are continuously increasing the proportion of water-repellent shoes whose hydrophobic coatings are based on silicones, waxes or paraffins or thermoplast materials.
Strict quality tests to protect people and the environment
We stand for transparency and industry-leading sustainability standards. We therefore manufacture our shoes in accordance with legal requirements and regularly subject them to strict quality tests before they go on sale. Out of genuine concern for people and the environment – and a carefree wearing experience.
Do you have further questions related to PFAS? Please do not hesitate to contact us!