Detox Commitment
Rotauf Knowledge
DETOX TO ZERO
Functional outdoor clothing is high-tech, but unfortunately, it often involves substances that are harmful to both nature and humans. ROTAUF develops and produces highly functional outdoor clothing, but consistently avoids hazardous chemicals.
THERE ARE OTHER WAYS
Since 2013, ROTAUF has dispensed with Teflon membranes and PFAS and PFC impregnation, instead consistently relying on environmentally friendly alternatives. We are proud to be among the pioneers in the outdoor industry who have taken this forward-looking path.
Furthermore, in 2016, ROTAUF became one of only three outdoor sports brands worldwide to sign the Greenpeace Detox Commitment , thus pursuing a determined path to no longer burdening the world with the widespread use of outdoor sports and their conventionally manufactured products. By signing this commitment, ROTAUF consistently refrains from the use of hazardous chemicals and processes and relies on environmentally friendly alternatives that are ecologically sound. With this decision, ROTAUF has banned more than 430 hazardous chemicals from its production processes. If a product cannot be produced without the use of hazardous chemicals, we do not bring it to market.
The Detox MRSL launched by Greenpeace is now monitored and continuously expanded by OEKO-TEX® .
The mainstream outdoor industry presents the massive use of chemicals as the only alternative. However, we demonstrate that there is another way, albeit somewhat more difficult and costly. We develop our products with a sense of proportion for ambitious mountaineers and environmentally conscious nature lovers. We focus on effective needs and the longevity of all our products to keep the human footprint as small as possible.
NO SHIT IN - NO SHIT OUT
The 11 detox chemical groups and their effects
They are widely used in the textile industry, for example, in washing during dyeing. The alkylphenols are released in water. They act similarly to estrogens and can disrupt the development of the reproductive organs of fish and other aquatic animals.
Azo dyes are widely used in the textile industry. Some can release substances that are suspected of causing cancer upon skin contact.
Many brominated flame retardants (BFRs) accumulate in the environment and are now found everywhere. These finishing chemicals are used for fire protection – including in textiles. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), in particular, are considered "particularly hazardous" under EU water law. They have hormonal effects and can impair the growth and development of the reproductive organs.
Chlorobenzenes are used as biocides and solvents in textile production. Some cause liver, thyroid, and central nervous system damage. Hexachlorobenzene is persistent and disrupts hormones.
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 are also used as biocides in the textile industry. Pentachlorophenol, in particular, is highly toxic to aquatic organisms and can cause organ damage in humans.
Short-chain chlorinated paraffins 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 make textile and leather products water- and dirt-repellent. They are therefore widely used in the outdoor industry. They are durable and accumulate in human tissue and blood. They can damage liver function and disrupt the body's endocrine system.
Phthalates are plasticizers. They are used primarily in plastisol and printing inks in the textile industry. They can inhibit the development of sexual organs in mammals, including humans.
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 in leather tanning. Chromium VI, mercury, and cadmium can cause cancer.
Organotin compounds are used in biocides and as anti-mold agents in numerous consumer goods. The textile industry uses them in socks, shoes, and sportswear to prevent odors.
Did you know?
There is a small start-up from Switzerland that has developed a sustainable membrane.
Find out more in episode 5.
The ETH spinoff Dimpora is developing an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional waterproof membranes in outdoor clothing. Immerse yourself in the world of an innovative startup from Zurich that is developing a sustainable alternative to conventional waterproof membranes in outdoor clothing. The film examines the problems associated with commercially available microporous membranes and traces the path from the initial idea through development to the patent application. We also gain insights into the challenges and motivations behind the company's founding and the motivation to bring an environmentally friendly membrane solution to market.
Pioneer spirit just the way we like it.