Toyota Tsusho is launching PFC-free waterproof breathable membranes in outdoor clothing. These high-performance membranes are made from Arnitel VC, a very flexible thermoplastic polyester-based elastomer developed by a Dutch company, DSM. This elastomer, which has been used for many years in membranes for clothing, does not rely on perforations to make it breathable. Since it is not perforated, it acts as a barrier not only to liquids, but also to bacteria and viruses, and for this reason, it is also used in surgical gowns. The new membranes are said to contain no perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), and to be 100 percent recyclable and waterproof, despite being only a few microns thick. The Japanese firm will launch the new membranes at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market show, which takes place in Salt Lake City, Utah on Aug. 6-9.

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