The recently launched “Commuter” collection of functional urban denims from Levi Strauss is coated with “Ecorepel” -a fluorocarbon-free durable water repellent (DWR) coating from the Swiss-origin Schoeller Technologies. Designed keeping the urban cyclist in mind, the move comes as the retailer steers clear of fluorocarbon finishes, avoiding environmental problems associated with some fluorocarbon related by-products such as the chemicals PFOA and PFOS. Both PFOA and PFOS are potentially toxic by-products of some fluorocarbon chemistry, while PFOS is banned in Europe. Furthermore, the finish is biodegradable and shows excellent test results in terms of wash permanency and resistance to abrasion. “Urban lifestyle and textile function – these two terms no longer have to be used independently. Our textile technologies are universally applicable, which allows us to develop an out-of-the-box look and to develop new ideas and combinations in the area of textile finishing,” remarked Hans U. Kohn, COO, Schoeller Technologies.