Helly Hansen launches Ekolab™ R&D Project by eliminating PTFE from Waterproof Breathable Membranes and Introduces Fluorocarbon-free DWR. The Norwegian performance apparel and footwear manufacturer that has has designed gear to stand up to winter’s worst weather for more than 130 years, wants to ensure long, cold snowy winters will continue for centuries beyond through sustainable design and manufacturing processes.

Helly launched the Ekolab R&D project in 2008 to try out new ideas, discover ways to address environmental sustainability and reduce its impact on the planet. As an early result, Helly this season eliminated harmful PTFE from the waterproof breathable membranes in all of its products, introduced fluorocarbon-free DWR coatings, incorporated recycled fabrics and pursued minimalist design practices that reduce the need for excess resources. The technical jackets and pants, fleece products and organic cotton Ts in the Ekolab collection are the starting point for the company’s long-term environmental initiative.

The men’s and women’s Ekolab Jacket and Pant are constructed with waterproof breathable Helly Tech® econylon fabrics
coloured with environmentally sensitive dyes. The jackets are exceptionally durable yet are designed with a minimalist approach to reduce the amount of materials and energy resources required to produce the products. Performance features like pit zips were
incorporated without adding any unnecessary metal and plastic parts.

Ekolab Jacket Features:
3-layer Helly Tech® waterproof breathable protection
Econylon: ökotex 100 certified
Low impact dyeing and printing processes
Fully taped
Pit zips
Water resistant zips: ökotex 100 certified
Powder skirt
Attached hood
PU membrane (eliminates PTFE)
Fluorocarbon-free DWR coating
All hardware made from 100% recycled materials

Here is some additional information from Helly Hansen about PTFE and PU membranes:

Q: Can you give me some more info on the PTFE free PU membrane? What does it use instead? How did H/H achieve this?

A: In general PTFE and PU are two materials that both can be made into microporous membranes with quite similar user benefits, the differences are more related to the two materials different natural properties.

PTFE is part of Fluor carbon chemistry and most known under the trade name Teflon. When you expand this thermoplastic you’ll get a micropourous material that is suitable to block water in liquid but let single molecules (steam) trough – this is known as the gore technology and was patended until 1990 PTFE is a natural hydrophobic and does only allow water molequles to pass trough the openings in the microporous grid. The PTFE is a hard and not so flexible Thermoplastic, this you find with low stretch potential and often that the membrane itself get a dry and crinkely apperance.

PU polyurethane is part of the Hydrocarbon chemistry and can as the PTFE be made micro porous. PU is a natural Hydrophillic and thus the PU membrane can add movement of moisture trough the material it self as well as the openings as long as the osmotic pressure is maintained. PU is an reactive polymer and depending on the viscosity in building stones for the reaction the end product PU typically gets an elastic property. (even used for elastic bands and High quality condoms) This making the fabric made with PU based membrane have a softer touch and far better Stretch properties than its PTFE equal.



HH worked with PU Based Waterproof technology since the eighties and have also been working with PTFE for some years (eVent 2003-2006) Thus the advantages in softhness and stretch we have preferred to work on developing our technologies around the PU material. The other reason for us to Choose the PU technology in the Ekolab products as well is the question around harmfull fluorocarbons – mainly PFOA which is used to make PTFE and also is relaeased when the materil deteriorates . PFOA is a likely carsiogenic and toxic.. so – yet another reason for us to pursue other materials than PTFE.

Other rad products from Helly Hansen to be on the look out for:

The NEW Atlas and Silverrush Flow Down Jackets. They're 15,000mm waterproof goose down jackets that integrate hexagonal down pillows throughout its interior to provide exceptional warmth in a very slim fit. Stay super warm while looking super cute.

Women's Barrier Softshell. High-density woven softshell constructed with full-stretch LIFA® Stay Dry Technology. Versatile design delivers superior comfort and moisture management performance for any outdoor activity.

The keep cool baselayers for spring and summer. Helly Hansen offers baselayers that are fashionable and functionable. Find them on their website HERE