Acting on behalf of its members from the outdoor industry, BSI, the German federation of sporting goods manufacturers, has given the solemn pledge that in the future they will no longer market textile products containing PFC. This ingredient, which is based on fluor, is used in many types of textiles like apparel, sleeping bags, tents, footwear and so on to make their surfaces dirt-, water- and oil-repellent. While the finished products with PFC do not do any harm to their final users, it is, however, hazardous in the manufacturing process and during washing and recycling because it may contaminate water, affecting the food chain, the environment and the health of the people, notably those who live in the manufacturing countries. The members of BSI's outdoor section have promised to work with experts to develop materials which are fit to replace PFC as soon as possible without making compromises on the functionality of the finished products.

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