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At RE ZRO®, we are proudly PFAS free.
What are PFAS chemicals?
PFAS - known as ‘Forever Chemicals’, were developed originally as non-stick for pans. Their unique set of properties has made them very widely used, ranging from stain resistant carpets, to firefighting foams. The highly hydrophobic qualities made them an obvious choice for sports membranes. Being highly waterproof and durable - the appeal is understandable.
However, these desirable properties are also why PFAS chemicals are so damaging. Due to the strength of the carbon-fluorine bond, it is very difficult for these chemicals to degrade in the environment. In simple terms, they last ‘forever’. When PFAS-treated clothing is washed, high levels of microplastics are released directly into the water supply, persisting there in seas, lakes and water sources. More directly related to our industry, PFAS chemicals are released during manufacturing and remain present in helmet linings, jackets and more throughout a product's lifespan.
Most impact protection gear compounds this further. The majority is thermoset: once the material undergoes its chemical reaction, that's it. It can't be reformed, reused or recycled. The damage is set in from the start.
So what is being done about ‘Forever Chemicals?’
The regulatory landscape is already shifting. Several U.S. states have banned PFAS outright, and the EU is moving in the same direction. While this is positive progress, for brands built around these materials, that's a serious problem on the horizon. We are aware of how long the process of re-thinking your materials and re-certifying your protection can be.
The demand for PFAS free impact gear is there - due to both the increase in regulations surrounding the chemicals, and more understanding of the damage they cause. What was once considered an added ‘eco’ feature is now becoming the baseline. The call is coming from consumers and regulatory bodies alike, and we are here to prove it is possible, and not at a detriment to the quality of the product.
What makes RE ZRO® different?
Our injection moulded TPE not only allows us to regrind and implement theat regrind into our production process armour, but is naturally PFAS free. No reformulating, no work arounds. This way partners and athletes can feel secure in their protection, aware that the armour in their kit isn’t adding more ‘Forever Chemicals’ into the environment.
Knowing how long adaptation can take, being PFAS free from the start of RE ZRO® wasn't just an environmental decision - it was a practical one. This way, our partners who sell within PFAS banned regions can do so without a second thought. They can be confident, knowing there won’t even be a trace of PFAS in our armour. For those that sell in regions that may become PFAS free in the near future, they have the benefit of not having to rethink their protection, and if the rest of their materials are PFAS free, can keep selling the same products. No lengthy re-certifying process necessary.
There's a perception that PFAS free alternatives don't perform as well - that they're less durable, less effective. We are here to show that it can be done, completely PFAS free, without compromising on the level of performance. Our gear is CE Certified, and tried and tested by athletes who push the limits across moto, MTB and beyond.
PFAS-free doesn't mean compromising on protection. It means making it better.
Find out more about our products and the brand here: www.re-zro.com
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