Toyota Tsusho, a leading supplier of high-tech functional materials for clothing and footwear, is planning to introduce a new generation of high performance membranes for clothing made from its Arnitel VT flexible thermoplastic polyester based elastomer.

The new membranes are said to contain no perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), and are 100% recyclable, waterproof and highly breathable.

It will launch the new membranes, the latest addition to its Gelanots product range, at the Outdoor Retailer show that takes place in Salt Lake City from 6-9 August.

DSM technology

According to the DSM, a leading life sciences and materials sciences company, its collaboration with Toyota Tsusho has led to a drastic reduction of the carbon footprint in the production chain compared to that for PTFE-based membranes.

“DSM has been a very reliable partner for us in our quest to develop membrane technologies which do not need PFCs and which still meet all the demanding requirements of the outdoor industry,” explained Masato Hashi, General Manager Textile Trade at Toyota Tsusho.

Sales Director Marie Cangialosi added: “Incorporating Arnitel in our laminates enables us to offer a high performance product without compromise which is PFC free fully polyester based thus 100% recyclable.”

Avoiding use of PFCs

Established brands in outdoor clothing are looking for ways to make garments that offer the right performance and bring comfort to the wearer. At the same time, they want to use materials and processes that have the lowest possible impact on the environment.

The spotlight is currently on avoiding the use of PFCs, which are found, for example, in PTFE-based membranes, the company reports.

Breathable and reliable

With Arnitel VT, moisture vapour can pass from the inside to the outside of the garment, but the membranes are 100% waterproof, so they keep the wearer comfortable and dry, according to DSM.

 Arnitel VT does not rely on perforations to make it breathable. Perforated membranes can have their waterproofness compromised when they are washed or come into contact with liquids such as alcohols or fuels. Perforations also reduce the strength of the membrane, making it easier to rip. Perforations can get clogged too, causing the membrane to lose its breathability.

Arnitel VT has been used for many years in membranes for clothing. Because it is not perforated, it is said to act as a barrier not only to liquids, but also to bacteria and viruses, and is used in surgical gowns with the highest level of protection.

www.arnitel.com