Gold Long John, a footwear material supplier, is executing a new water- and PFAS-free finishing technology in its Vietnam supply chain. This move comes as part of its pledge to remove PFAs from its textiles, lining up with the goals set by brands like Nike, which aims to reduce PFAS from its products by 2030.
The company is shifting to a pioneering, wick-free finishing platform called Empel No-Wick, created by Green Theme Technologies. This platform utilises chemistry that bonds molecularly to footwear fabrics, offering water-repellent and anti-wicking properties. Predominantly, Empel is Oeko Tex-certified and does not utlilise water or PFAS chemicals in its production process.
Martin Flora, president of global business development at Green Theme Technologies, described Oeko Tex-certified Empel platform as a forward-thinking solution. “It offers the most superior performance finishes presently achievable, totally devoid of water or PFAS chemicals.”
“Gold Long John is the first leading footwear mill in Asia to approve Empel. They have set up proprietary production machinery at their Vietnam factory and plan to develop this technology in their Taiwan facility. We have faith that this adoption will allow for scaling clean chemistry across Southeast Asia, contributing to the reduction of water, carbon, and chemical pollution while enhancing product performance,” Martin shared.
PFAS also knows as Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, frequently used in water-resistant products, have increased environmental and health concerns due to their long-term endurance and links to harmful health effects. The rising regulations and standards for PFAs levels in drinking water have pressed the fashion and textiles sectors to look for alternative solutions for water and stain repellency. The latest study also found out that PFAS can be absorbed via the skin.
Kevin Wen, president of Gold Long John, stated, “We are delighted to collaborate with Green Theme and adopt Empel products and understand their role in promoting sustainability efforts globally. This partnership will allow us to provide our footwear brands with inventive, cleaner, and higher-performing materials for our products. I see this shift as beneficial for our business, partner brands, and also for the environment globally.”
