Detox
Detox
High performance without harmful chemicals
Functional outdoor clothing is high-tech, but unfortunately it often involves the use of substances that are harmful to both nature and people. ROTAUF develops and produces highly functional outdoor clothing, but consistently avoids hazardous chemicals.As one of only three brands worldwide, Rotauf signed the Greenpeace Detox Commitment in 2015, following a determined path to stop polluting our world through our sport.The mainstream outdoor industry presents the massive use of chemicals as having no alternative. However, we are showing that there is another way, albeit a bit more difficult and costly.
“No shit in, no shit out.”
“No shit in, no shit out.”
This is our credo regarding chemical use
What it means?
No Shit in
We consistently avoid the use of hazardous chemicals and processes, and we use environmentally friendly alternatives. If a product cannot be made without the use of hazardous chemicals, we do not bring it to market.Our Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) contains a list of chemicals whose use in the production process is prohibited or restricted.
No Shit Out
Through extensive material testing, we ensure that our specifications from the Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) are consistently met.Where possible, we carry out the chemical-intensive dyeing and finishing processes in Switzerland. Thanks to the modern infrastructure, strict legislation and stringent controls, the risk of harmful emissions here is very low.
Natural Performance
For many functionalities or effects desired by the outdoor industry, nature holds perfect solutions that simply have to be discovered and applied.
Grisons Wooll Series
With its outstanding insulating and climate regulating properties, wool is a first-class functional fiber. For our Insulation series we rely on domestic wool.
Outdoorpants
Our outdoorpants made of cotton fabric have a unique fabric construction that closes when wet, thus achieving its water-repellent effect.
Eco Performance
If there is no natural and completely chemical-free approach to achieve a desired functionality, we look for environmentally friendly alternatives.
Waterproof Series
Long-lasting and toxic PFAS are often used for the water-repellent finish and waterproof membranes of functional jackets. We have been using environmentally friendly alternatives since as early as 2013.
Organic Merino Series
To make merino wool machine washable, the outdoor industry reaches for the chemical mace and completely coats the wool fiber with plastic. We use the more expensive and environmentally friendly EXP process.
We are dedicated to developing products for the mountains.
We are dedicated to developing products for the mountains.
Without over-performance mania at the expense of nature and the environment.
Membrane production and the wet processes of fabric manufacturing are the most challenging points in terms of sustainability in the production of outdoor products. In the industry, impressive effects are usually achieved with the help of tricky chemical substances. We too use high-tech materials - but always keep the environment in focus.
Bluesign approved as minimum requirement
Bluesign® is a chemical management system widely used in the outdoor industry and relied upon by many brands. For fabrics labeled as Bluesign approved®, the systematic Bluesign® approach ensures that they are only manufactured with approved chemicals.
Detox criteria as a standard requirement
Wherever possible, we use substances that meet the strict Detox criteria. This means that we avoid an extensive list (Manufacturing Restricted Substances List - MRSL ) of harmful and potentially harmful chemicals in their manufacture. "No Shit In" at its best.
Material testing
With extensive material testing, we ensure that our specifications from the MRSL are consistently adhered to. All main materials used by ROTAUF are tested according to the Detox MRSL before series production. This is expensive, but safe and transparent.
Wastewater testing
To ensure that no harmful chemicals are released into the environment, we would have to permanently monitor the wastewater from all factories that carry out critical process steps. This is beyond our current capabilities. However, we are working on obtaining regular wastewater test results from all relevant factories abroad.
The 11 Detox Chemical Groups
Alkylphenols
They are widely used in the textile industry, for example in washing during dyeing. In water, the alkylphenols break down. They act similarly to estrogens and can disrupt the development of the sexual organs of fish and other aquatic animals.
Azo dyes:
Azo dyes are widely used in the textile industry. Some can release substances that are suspected of causing cancer on contact with the skin.
Flame retardant:
Many brominated flame retardants (BFRs) accumulate in the environment and are now found everywhere. These finishing chemicals are used for fire protection - also in textiles. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in particular are considered "particularly hazardous" under EU water legislation. They have a hormonal effect and can damage the growth and development of the reproductive organs.
Chlorobenzenes:
Chlorobenzenes are used as biocides and solvents in textile production. Some damage the liver, thyroid and central nervous system. Hexachlorobenzene is persistent and hormonally active.
Solvents:
Chlorinated solvents are used to remove chemical residues from textiles and to clean them. Trichloroethane damages the ozone layer. It can also damage the central nervous system, liver and kidneys in humans and animals.
Chlorophenols:
Chlorophenols are also used as biocides in the textile industry. Pentachlorophenol in particular is highly toxic to aquatic organisms and can damage organs in humans.
Chlorinated kerosenes:
Short-chain chlorinated kerosenes are used in the textile industry as flame retardants and in the finishing of textiles and leather. They are considered toxic to aquatic organisms and accumulate in the human body.
PFAS/PFC
PFCs make textile and leather products water and dirt repellent. Therefore, they are widely used in the outdoor industry. They are long-lasting and accumulate in human tissue and blood. They can damage liver function and disrupt the body's hormone system.
Phthalates:
Phthalates are plasticizers. In the textile industry, they are used primarily in plastisol or printing inks. In mammals, including humans, they can inhibit the development of the reproductive organs.
Heavy metals:
Heavy metals such as cadmium, lead and copper are found in dyes. They can accumulate in the body and damage organs and the nervous system. Chromium is used to tan leather. Chromium VI, mercury and cadmium can cause cancer.
Organotin:
Organotin compounds are used in biocides and as anti-mold agents in numerous consumer products. The textile industry, for example, uses them in socks, shoes and sportswear to prevent odor formation.