PFC free water-resistant down treatment. HyperDry is based in natural waxes that allow superior water-resistance performance and strength. Like conventional treatments, this technology uses hydrocarbon chains to decrease surface tension in order to make the down hydrophobic. However, HyperDry achieves this without the traditional use of PFC. Fluorinated compounds are toxic and have an extremely long half-life, making biodegradation almost impossible. This inability to biodegrade causes pollution in waterways and the ecosystem. Additionally, the production of HyperDry uses 25 times less water and requires 5 times less chemistry to achieve the same performance as conventional methods.
Since down rarely comes into contact with water due to its hydrophobic shell, it actually loses its properties in extreme humidity created by sweat or air moisture. Hydrophobic treatments negatively impact the environment by using large amounts of water and energy during production. Hydrophobic chemical down treatment occurs in treatment baths with non-biodegradable chemicals, making water reutilization difficult and harmful for the environment. The drying process is also energy intensive, requiring high temperatures. ExpeDRY™ is chemical free and uses non-toxic gold particles that are bonded to the down cluster in a permanent and chemical-free process called FUZE®. The gold particles target humidity in the insulation and maintain dryness in extreme conditions. The gold particles create an electro-static shield that weakens hydrogen bonding and prevents water droplet formation. Compared to traditionally treated down, this technology dries 40% faster and returns to full loft 40% faster. It also uses 5x less water in production, reduces production drying time by 50%, dries at 26% lower temperatures, and has approximately 30-50% less environmental impact.
