It is said that fluorinated finishing agents (type C8) used for water repellency has higher performance than waxes or silicone-based finishes. The United States Environmental Protection Agency, however, announced a plan in 2006 to eliminate the emission and inclusion in products of PFOA※ by 2015. In accordance with the plan, a switch from type C8 fluorinated finishing agents to type C6 was put into practice. With the acceleration of this trend, manufacturers around the world has been focusing on the development of 'PFOA-free' or 'fluorine-free' water-repellent fabrics. Likewise, Komatsu Matere's unique processing technology has enabled the development of a 'PFOA-free' water-repellent fabric that does not only remain a high level of water repellency, but also maintains its durability.
※PFOA stands for perfluorooctanoic acid, a kind of fluorine compounds, which has been identified as an environmental or safety concern due to its potential toxicity when consumed over a long period of time.