DWR (durable water repellent) fabric finish repels light rain and snow and decreases dry times. When DWR is used in conjunction with a waterproof/breathable barrier, the DWR finish keeps the outer fabric from becoming saturated, enabling the breathable barrier to do its job. Patagonia has long relied on a DWR with perfluorinated compound (PFC) but we have been searching diligently for an alternative because of its harmful environmental impacts.

Patagonia has worked with bluesign^® technologies since 2000 to evaluate and reduce resource consumption in our materials supply chain, and to assist us in managing the chemicals, dyes and finishes used in the process. bluesign technologies, based in Switzerland, works at each step in the textile supply chain to approve chemicals, processes, materials and products that are safe for the environment, safe for workers and safe for the end customers.

Textile manufacturers that become bluesign^® system partners agree at the outset to establish management systems for improving environmental performance in five key areas of the production process: resource productivity, consumer safety, water emissions, air emissions, and occupational health and safety. System partners regularly report their progress in energy, water, and chemical usage and are subject to on-site audits.

The bluesign system is based on input-stream management. Chemicals are assigned to one of three categories: blue– safe to use; gray–special handling required; and black–forbidden. The bluesign system helps factories properly manage gray chemicals and replace black chemicals with safer alternatives.

In 2007, Patagonia became the first brand to join the network of bluesign system partners. We committed to the highest level of consumer safety and the continuous improvement of environmental performance in our textile supply chains by applying the bluesign system to help conserve resources and minimize impacts on people and the environment. Our progress and encouragement have inspired more suppliers and other brands to join; there are now over 400 brands, manufacturers and chemical suppliers that are bluesign system partners.

Any fabric that’s bluesign approved offers the highest level of consumer safety by employing methods and materials in its manufacture that conserves resources and minimizes impacts on people and the environment.