Sustainability Meets Performance

PRINCIPLES FOR BRAND PARTNERS AND RETAILERS Areas of use

APPAREL FOOTWEAR CONTRACT & WORKWEAR

Outdoor Kids & City Workwear

Snow Outdoor & Sport Corporate Workwear

Fashion & Lifestyle Work & Safety Corporate Fashion

Motorbike Police & Ambulance Service

2 Preface / Table of contents

At Sympatex, we have made it our goal not only to do what is required by law but also what is technically possible to make our contribution so that the textile industry can close the ecological loop as quickly as possible. Based on our own developments as well as a close dialogue with our customers, we would like to promote a clothing industry that combines high individual requirements with an uncompromising responsibility to future generations. We believe that these two aims don't have to be mutually exclusive and that it's not enough to optimise only individual aspects, such as durability. For us, the highest level of freedom is to voluntarily commit to one goal to the best of our ability: “Closing the loop”.

We invite our customers to join us in trying to reach our shared goal.

AREAS OF USE PG. 02

PREFACE / TABLE OF CONTENTS PG. 03

SYMPATEX INSIDE PG. 04 – 05

PERFORMANCE AND ECOLOGY PG. 06 – 07

ECOLOGY PG. 08 – 09

MEMBRANE PG. 10 – 16

COMPARISON PES / PTFE MEMBRANE PG. 17

LAMINATES / DWR PG. 18 – 19

SYMPATHY INSIDE PG. 20

CLIMATE NEUTRALITY PG. 21

TECHNOLOGIES PG. 22 – 23

RECYCLING PG. 24 – 25

QUALITY PG. 26 – 27

CARE PG. 28 – 29

SYMPATHY LAB PG. 30 – 31

3 DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE

WATERPROOF BREATHABLE WINDPROOF

4 Sympatex Inside

Sympatex Technologies has been one of the leading global suppliers of high-tech functional materials in clothing (Apparel), footwear, protective workwear (Contract & Workwear) and technical applications since 1986.

We develop, manufacture and sell membranes, laminates, functional textiles, finished products and bespoke end products for a range of applications with selected partners all over the world. Our continuous development in products and technologies enables us to provide our customers with a wide range of laminates to suit their specific needs. Our focus is on protection, comfort, performance and perfect functionality together with ecological responsibility.

Obtain detailed information about the technologies and benefits. Sympatex - The ecological alternative among textile functional specialists!

5 Performance and ecology

Top Performance

Lovers of the great outdoors have high demands for their clothing. It must keep their bodies dry whilst controlling the body temperature perfectly in all weather and regardless of activity level.

The best way of ensuring comfort and perfect protection from the weather is with the ‘onion system’, which involves layers of different garments:

–– A base layer with conductive, wicking properties –– Mid-layers with an insulating and heat-regulating function –– An outer layer with a weather protection function (waterproof, breathable and windproof)

The outer layer has a demanding task: On the one hand, it must allow sweat to escape whilst, at the same time, it must protect the body from wet and cold from the outside. For this, we offer the perfect solution that can “breathe” dynamically - like a second skin.

Maximum Ecology

Often, it is assumed that a compromise in performance must be made when it comes to ecological compatibility. For over 30 years, we have been proving that both aims are perfectly attainable at the same time.

Our ecological claim not only covers individual improvements but a change in the entire product life cycle:

–– Minimum environmental impact in production, in particular, energy, water and chemicals –– Maximum durability so that clothing can be used for as long as possible –– Maximum value-retaining recycling of raw materials during disposal

Performance and sustainability are the twin strands of our “corporate DNA” - we constantly work on finding solutions to close the textile loop. Only when clothing doesn’t leave any traces in the environment can we enjoy nature without restriction.

6 Top Performance

–– 100 % waterproof

–– 100 % windproof

–– Optimally breathable

–– Dynamic climate control

–– Very thin and high stretch poreless membrane

–– Extremely hard-wearing

Maximum Ecology

–– 100% recyclable and climate neutral membrane

–– 100% recyclable and recycled laminates

® ® –– Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, bluesign approved

–– PTFE-free and PFC-free membranes and laminates

–– Fluorocarbon-free treatments

–– Laminates with a completely balanced carbon footprint

7 Ecology

“Supported by disruptive technologies, fashion has the talent, the networks, the funding, and all of the resources it needs to transform itself. Now is the time to start doing things differently.”

Boston Consulting Group 2017, „Pulse of the Fashion Industry“

About 45 years after the Club of Rome pointed out to the world that our economy, which is orientated towards continuous growth, would reach its limits in less than a century. Meanwhile, this prediction has become real and visible with ever greater frequency. Global warming, water shortage, air pollution, chemicals in the food chain and polluted oceans are only the obvious symptoms.

Now it’s not just NGOs but also reputable consulting firms that are calling for an urgent change from linear economic thinking to a closed-loop economy that minimises the social and ecological impacts of economic activities. We not only consider this as an absolutely necessary course of action but as an opportunity for the future. That is why, since our foundation, we have been working on innovations that will lead to this goal: a closed raw material loop within the clothing industry - with no ecological collateral damage.

Our 2020 Agenda includes all sustainability aspects that are essential for this:

–– Minimising the production of CO2 to counteract global warming – already implemented for the entire membrane production since 2017 –– Reducing water consumption to counteract water shortage in manufacturing countries using recycling and modern dyeing processes –– Reducing energy consumption based on efficient use of energy sources and raw material recycling –– Using plastic waste (upstream recycling) to save natural resources –– Product design and co-operation for downstream upcycling to reduce waste –– Avoiding harmful substances (in particular PFC, PTFE) to protect future generations –– Avoiding toxic chemicals to protect the biosphere –– Minimising soil pollution to protect biodiversity

A high degree of transparency and close co-operation with leading NGOs such as Greenpeace are essential for us to continue to support our credibility which our brand has represented for decades. In order to guarantee social sustainability, and therefore comply with our due diligence obligations towards human rights, we use the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) for our supply chain.

8 Sympatex Roadmap 2020 – Sustainability meets Performance

2001 2008 2016 1990 Apple launches its iTunes Launch of AirBnB, a peer-to-peer online market- 2011 Tesla sells 500,000+ electric cars. The whole car Global agreement to music store, based on the place and homestay network for lodgings in The world population industry was already shocked by the success of 1985 fully ban production and MP3 format residential properties – partially replacing the exceeds 7 billion people 2013 Tesla since 2013. But nobody predicted that the Discovery of a hole use of CFK’s and CFC’s monopoly of hotel accommodation Major Chinese cities potential sales of a car that does not yet exist would in the earth’s ozone by 2000 suffer from massive fine be this high. Tesla’s results challenge many of the layer 2005 dust air pollution assumptions currently driving the existing industry. 2016 The Kyoto-Protocol 2009 2012 It is an example of radical change, which can and The Global Footprint Network 1992 enters into force – Founding year of WhatsApp that rapidly Greenpeace launches will happen to most industries estimates the Global Ecological Establishment of the first global legally replaces SMS as a smartphone instant global Detox Campaign Footprint to be 1.6 which means MPEG-1 standard as binding limitation of messaging service – as such undermining regarding the use of 2013 that humanity consumes 60% 1987 a music compression climate gas the business model of the major telecom PFC’s/PTFE’s in Denmark covers > 30% of its 2016 more resources than the earth The Montreal format (MP3) providers Outdoor and Fashion electrical energy needs through Trump as president elect. can regenerate Protocol radically wind energy “Big data” failed to predict reduces output that Trump would be elected of CFC’s 1996 2007 2008 2013 ahead of Clinton — yet big Launch of Google by Larry The first iPhone Start of manufacturing Sweden bans 2015 data helped him to run a 2017 Page and Sergey Brin that is presented of Tesla Roadster 2011 the use of VW & Audi suffer major tailored election campaign The world 1970 rapidly outruns Yahoo! as the to the market After the Fukushima nuclear PFOA’s and losses after discovery population The Global Ecological dominant search engine on by Apple and accident, Germany decides its salts and of falsified test results 2016 exceeds 2023 Footprint exceeds a the internet initiates 2007 to exit nuclear energy by 2022 esters in regarding their diesel Brexit 7.5 billion The world value of 1.0 as human- 1987 a technical Nokia, radical fall of status textiles and engines’ emission levels Nobody seemed to expect Brexit to people population ity consumes more re- The world revolution quo Nokia initially did not join other con- actually happen. The interesting thing exceeds sources than the earth’s population 1999 in smart- the Smartphone revolution. 2010 sumer 2015 is that 68% of people below 35 years 8 billion regeneration rate exceeds The world population phones Their market share decreased Apple presents the iPad to the market, products UN climate conference in Paris – voted for staying in the European Union. people 5 billion exceeds 6 billion people from 50% in 2007 to below building on the success of the iPhone agreement of 200 states to limit The impact of leaving is mostly felt by people 3.5% this year (2016) global warming at 2°C them. Not by the voting majority

2018 2009 Sympatex terminates its Sympatex starts “10% Sympathy Inside™” portfolio offering laminates 2017 1986 composed of 2015 2016 Opening of the Founding recycled textiles Sympatex joins Sympatex produces Sympathy Lab™ for of Sympatex from PET bottles the Textilbündnis Zero CO2 by Certificate partnerships. The 2020 (German Sustainable relaunch of a start- 2/3 of Sympatex Apparel Coalition) up with 30 years of portfolio is at least 1994 2008 experience “70% Sympathy VAUDE and Sympatex Sympatex is a 2016 Inside™” launches the recycling pioneer in the market Sympatex’s ambition 2020 project “Ecolog” with its PFC-free (C0) for 2020: Closing the Functional textiles textile coating loop together 2017 based on a fully 100% of 2020 closed apparel 2016 Sympatex Sympatex terminates loop is in series Sympatex decides to offset membrane is its “30% Sympathy production 2008 2015 100% of the CO2-footprint of its climate neutral Inside™” portfolio 1992 Sympatex starts Sympatex joins membrane production pending (zero CO2) Sympatex is a to collaborate the SAC (Sustainable full replacement of its fossil founding member with bluesign® Apparel Coalition) materials by bio-based materials 2018 of the Oeko-Tex® and certifies 2/3 of Sympatex portfolio Standard 100 its membrane 2017 is at least “50% Sympathy Launch of Sympathy Inside™” Inside™ label 10 Membrane

The compact hydrophilic system with a long-term effect.

Although it sounds complicated, it is actually very straightforward. When the body sweats, it does so to protect itself from overheating. Although this natural process is vital, it also creates the risk that the body will be cooled excessively; for example, if the moisture in the clothing removes the heat from the body. The consequences of this would be reduced performance and a high risk of catching a cold. The solution is called Sympatex.

Excellent comfort whatever the weather: waterproof, breath- able, windproof.

There is nothing more unpleasant than wet and cold clothing. Sympatex has therefore developed a special membrane which absorbs the water vapour and removes it through the clothing to the outside. This keeps the body warm and dry even in extreme situations. And the best thing about it is that the higher the physical activity, the more efficient the Sympatex membrane works. Functional textiles with a Sympatex membrane also provide effective protection from low temperatures and rain.

11 Basic membrane properties

–– Compact hydrophilic membrane –– Completely safe copolymer (oxygen, carbon, hydrogen) made of polyester and polyether –– 5 µm to 40 µm membrane thickness –– 100% waterproof –– Optimally breathable –– 100% windproof

–– CO2-, oxygen- and water vapour permeable –– Can be stretched by up to 300% –– Elastic properties –– Easy care, poreless membrane, insensitive to dirt and deter- gent residues, no adverse effect on the membrane function

Protective properties

–– Durably waterproof, regardless of whether it is washed, dry cleaned, subjected to permanent kinking, or soiled by fuel or oil –– Excellent protection from viruses, bacteria and bodily fluids –– Resistance to various chemicals –– Suitable as a medical product due to its biocompatibility –– Thermal protection –– Protection from condensation

Ecological properties

–– 100% recyclable like a PET bottle –– 100% reusability of the polyester obtained during the recycling process –– Perfectly healthy product with Oeko-Tex®* Standard 100 certification, appendix 6, product class 1 –– Compliance with extremely stringent regulations in the pro- duction process with bluesign® certification** –– Completely PTFE-free and PFC-free * Sympatex is a founding member of the Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 –– Climate-neutral production testing and certification system and therefore satisfies with wide-ranging quality requirements for safe, non- toxic textile products.

** As a bluesign® system partner, Sympatex satisfies the most strin- gent guidelines in the world in its production processes in terms of protecting the environment, health and product safety.

12 13 100 % waterproof

When outdoors, we are exposed to the prevailing weather conditions. Functional textiles which feature the 100% waterproof Sympatex membrane provide excellent performance and make for more outdoor enjoyment.

The waterproofness of the membrane is measured on the basis of the water column under the pressure of which the material starts to allow water through it.

According to EN 343, a membrane is waterproof if it can resist a pressure of 1,300 mm.

Pursuant to ISO 811, the Sympatex membrane far exceeds these values and is extremely waterproof with a water column of over 45,000 mm.

Glass cylinder

Sympatex membrane: Water > 45.000 mm

EN 343 standard: 1.300 mm

Membrane

14 100% windproof

The Sympatex membrane is 100% windproof, pursuant to DIN EN ISO 9237. This functional property is important to avoid the wind chill effect, the subjective feeling of feeling cold in the wind.

Wind chill effect The wind removes the warming layer of air from around the body. The perceived tem- perature is lower than the actual temperature. No wind chill effect with Sympatex membrane: 0 litres of air per second pass through 1 m² of Sympatex membrane. This means that according to DIN EN ISO 9237, the Sympatex membrane is absolutely windproof and prevents any drop in performance.

Perceived Perceived Perceived temperature temperature temperature °C 3°C -6°C -11°C

Temperature 5

0

-5

-10

0 10 20 30 40 50 km/h Wind speed

Actual temperature Perceived temperature

15 Optimally breathable

Breathable clothing which removes perspiration in the form of water vapour from the skin supports a pleasant body climate and prevents overheating.

Function In contrast to other membrane technologies, the poreless compact Sympatex membrane is based on a physical and chemical principle. The water-attracting (hydrophilic) part of the membrane absorbs the moisture from the body and emits it to the outside by evaporation. The water vapour molecules are transported outwards along the hydrophilic molecular chains. The molecular structure (hydrophilic components) of the Sympatex membrane swells in moisture and therefore provides space for water vapour transport and fast evaporation. This effect increases as the difference in temperature and moisture rises. A partial pressure gradient, which results from different temperature and humidity inside and outside, is the driving force for the water vapour transport through the membrane.

Temperature Humidity approx. 20°C Outside low: approx. 60% Water droplets

Membrane:

Hydrophilic polyether

Hydrophobic polyester Humidity gradient Temperature gradient Temperature

Temperature Humidity Water vapour molecules approx. 37°C low: approx. 90% Inside

Dynamic climate control The more your body sweats, the more moisture the membrane can transport outwards. The effectiveness of ‘Smart Dynamic Membrane Technology’ therefore increases dynamically and on the basis of need. The Ret value is used as a value to measure breathability. This is the resistance that a material shows to the passage of water vapour. A Ret value of less than 6 is described as very good breathability. The Sympatex membrane achieves absolutely top values with Ret values of up to 0.5.

Outside

Inside

Water droplets Water vapour molecules Compact Sympatex membrane:

Hydrophilic polyether Hydrophobic polyester

16 Comparison PES / PTFE membrane

TECHNICAL COMPARISON Properties of PES Properties of PTFE

Microporous / pores may clog due to detergent Poreless / even greater breathability Properties after washing residue. Adverse effect on membrane after 1-2 washing cycles properties, especially breathability

Stretchability > 300% Approx. 100%

Breathability increases during greater Consistent, not dynamic. No removal of fluid Breathability physical activity = dynamic climate control (sweat) Yes, but there is a risk of reduced waterproof- ness due to soiling after wearing, improper care Waterproofness 100% waterproof or enlarged pores caused by overstretching the material

Windproofness 100% windproof. 0 litre / (m2 x sec.) Windproof; > 2 litres / (m2 x sec.)

Durable. Porous structure can change/ Durability Extremely durable and tough deteriorate. Pores can be blocked

Barriers Virus and bacteria proof Viruses and bacteria can penetrate micropores

ECOLOGICAL COMPARISON Properties of PES Properties of PTFE

Not eco-friendly, PFCs used in manufacturing Material PES based, environmentally friendly process Can be easily fed into the recycling process Not recyclable with any sort of textiles – Recyclability in combination with PESs textiles require incineration or landfill disposal 140 kg CO per km; Carbon footprint 2 7.6 t CO per km = 50x higher Fully compensated starting 2017 2

Water consumption 1.6 m3 per km 2.8 m3 per km = 2.5x higher End-of-life incineration Combustion products/gases similar to wood Highly toxic gases, e. g. Teflon flu (esp. open fire)

FUNCTION

COMPACT SYMPATEX MEMBRANE (PES) MICROPOROUS MEMBRANE (PTFE) Physical/chemical principle Physical principle

Outside Outside

Inside Inside

Compact Sympatex membrane: Hydrophilic polyether Hydrophobic polyester Microporous membrane: Pore Including PTFE

Water droplets Water vapour molecules Water droplets Water vapour molecules

17 Laminates

We develop 2-, 3-, and 4-layer laminates to suit the specific technical requirements of the users or customers (usage, performance and properties).

The Sympatex membrane (5 – 40 µm) is connected to a wide range of possible base materials such as woven fabrics, knitwear, fleece, foam or leather to form a laminate for a specific application. The application of tapes tailored to the specific usage of the laminates is what makes the end product (for example a jacket or shoe) into perfor- mance functional textiles. Uniform high quality is ensured by the interplay between the laminate, tape and technical processing guidelines. This is the only combination that sets a licensed Sympatex product apart from the rest.

Structure of 2-layer laminates Primarily for Apparel, Contract & Workwear, Technical Applications

1

2

1

2-layer laminate Insert laminate 1 Upper 1 Membrane 2 Membrane 2 2 Textile layer

Structure of 3-layer laminates Structure of 4-layer laminates Primarily for Apparel, Primarily for Footwear Contract & Workwear and Technical Applications

1 1 2 2

3 3-layer laminate Lining laminate 1 Upper 1 Textile layer

3 2 Membrane 4 2 Membrane 3 Lining 3 Intermediate layer 4 Lining

18 Water repellent treatment (DWR)

In order to meet the highest requirements for functionality and care, outer fabrics for outdoor garments are usually water repellent on the outside (waterproofed) and combined with a membrane on the inside. The Sympatex membrane ensures the waterproofness of functional clothing. A water repellent finish also offers long-lasting textile waterproofing and prevents or delays water penetrating the outer fabric. The consequences: the garment does not absorb moisture, the body doesn’t feel damp and breathability remains at a high level.

DWR technologies and their features can generally be divided into two groups:

–– fluorocarbon-free DWR = C0 –– DWR (PFC) containing fluorocarbon = C6

PFCs (perfluorinated and polyfluorinated chemicals/fluorine compounds) are used in the textile finishes of outdoor garments and shoes, guaranteeing water repellent, dirt repellent and oil repellent properties. However, these fluoro- organic compounds are regarded as ecologically harmful. The high stability of the carbon-fluorine compound results in a resistance to numerous decomposition mechanisms. Therefore, PFC will remain in the environment for a long time once it has made its way there. As an alternative, finishes containing fluorocarbon can be replaced by wax, paraffin, polyurethane, dendrimer or silicone. An independent test initiated by Greenpeace examined functional alternatives to products containing fluorocarbon. It showed that water runs off comparatively well from fluorine-free products. This protection can be re-activated when waterproofing is repeated using PFC-free agents.

In co-operation with our partner Rudolf Chemie, we have offered an environmentally friendly, fluorocarbon-free DWR finish for textiles since the middle of 2008 in the form of Bionic Finish® Eco. In 2008, we were the very first functional specialist to completely equip functional garments without using components containing fluorocarbon. Compared with waterproofing containing FC, FC-free waterproofing offers the same performance for all outdoor requirements. Oil and dirt repellency that still requires the use of products containing FC is generally not necessary. In our Apparel Business Area, we offer products which, thanks to their PTFE-free membrane and FC-free finish, are completely PFC-free.

Since 2012, as part of the “Detox” Campaign, Greenpeace has been repeatedly testing waterproof and water repellent outdoor products for their pollutant content. During these tests, two products made using Sympatex materials were tested, among others. In both cases, the Sympatex products were clearly among the top products. Other outdoor brands have also committed themselves to implement the DETOX pollutant list. The list demands threshold values below the detection limit. Therefore, it represents one of the strictest pollutant lists in the world. Many of these companies are Sympatex customers. In order to continue to guarantee this pioneering position, we regularly check all fluorocarbon-free technologies available on the market to ensure the best available technology for our customers and the environment.

19 Sympathy Inside

It is our goal to make the entire laminate portfolio sustainable by 2020.

We offer our portfolio in five laminate categories. This classification is based exclusively on sustainable aspects. They range from “10% Sympathy Inside” for the currently lowest level of sustainability up to “100% Sympathy Inside" for the best ecological category which complies with all requirements for a sustainably closed clothing cycle. The criteria include sustainable raw material, energy and water usage, the avoidance of harmful greenhouse gases and a ban on chemical toxins, and also include the option of value-retaining material recycling.

100% Sympathy Inside • 100% climate-neutral laminate • Made from min. 2/3 recycled or renewable material • Material composition compatible with upcycling • PFC & PTFE-free • Manufactured in accordance with strict social & environmental standards • Complies with Oeko-Tex® RSL and ZDHC mRSL

70% Sympathy Inside • 100% climate-neutral membrane • Made from min. 1/3 recycled or renewable material, or material compatible with upcycling • PFC & PTFE-free • Manufactured in accordance with strict social & environmental standards • Complies with Oeko-Tex® RSL and ZDHC mRSL

50% Sympathy Inside • 100% climate-neutral membrane • No environmentally challenging material mixtures • PFC & PTFE-free • Manufactured in accordance with strict social & environmental standards • Complies with Oeko-Tex® RSL and ZDHC mRSL

30% Sympathy Inside • 100% climate-neutral membrane • No environmentally challenging material mixtures • PTFE-free • Complies with Oeko-Tex® RSL and ZDHC mRSL

10% Sympathy Inside

Dis- • 100% climate-neutral membrane continued • PTFE-free since • Complies with Oeko-Tex® RSL and ZDHC mRSL 2017

20 Climate neutrality

In its 2016 Risk Report, the World Economic Forum classifiedglobal warming as the biggest existential risk to humanity with the highest likelihood of occurring. We take these predictions seriously. We are aware of the risks outlined and we therefore decided to act. Even in the last few years, we were able to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of our product caused by the manufacture of our Sympatex membrane. In specific terms, this means: The production of a Sympatex copolymer, compared with a PTFE polymer, generates 50 times less CO2*. In order to completely eliminate our contribution to global warming, since 2017, we have also compensated for the CO2 quantity that is released during the annual membrane production by supporting internationally certified climate protection projects. With the world's first climate-neutral membrane, we are again pioneers in sustainability. Many of our customers have already joined us – together with them, we now compensate for the CO2 footprint of each textile type and even of the entire garment or shoe.

* Calculation based on SAC data per kg (SAC=Sustainable Apparel Coalition)

We offer

climate neutral Sympatex Technologies GmbH Climate Neutral Sympatex Membrane products 2017 & 2018

This certificate confirms the offset of carbon emissions by additional Since 20/12/2016 carbon offset projects.

Sympatex Technologies GmbH Supported offset project Forest Protection offers climate neutral products in Kasigau Wildlife Corridor Kenya partnership with ClimatePartner. ClimatePartner-ID 11937-1612-1002 Munich, 16/01/2017 Issued on 22.12.2017

Moritz Lehmkuhl Use the following URL for more Managing Director information about the offset and the ClimatePartner GmbH supported carbon offset project: www.climate-id.com/11937-1612-1002

21 Technologies

Additional functions and manufacturing technologies

Depending on usage and the requirements, the various functions of the membrane can ® be increased or supplemented with additional functions such as Sympatex HigH2Out and, in footwear, by Moisture-Tech®. These additional functions and specific technologies ensure that the product is perfectly tailored to your individual needs. Sympatex applications offer more performance, more individuality and more possibilities.

22 ® Sympatex HigH2Out Excellent climate control

Upper

Membrane

Extremely absorbent textile layer

Function Areas of use

–– Fast and effective removal of sweat by the –– Apparel hydrophilic membrane combined with a particu- –– Footwear larly absorbent textile layer –– C&W –– Droplets of sweat are absorbed in a matter of seconds and removed from the skin –– For extreme conditions and top sporting performance –– 120% better breathability combined with excel- lent climate control

Sympatex Moisture-tech® Excellent microclimate in your shoe

Function –– Innovative waterproof lining laminate –– Improved moisture removal from the foot –– Large surface area transfer of moisture to the hydrophilic membrane through an innovative intermediate layer PROTECTIVE LAYER –– Full area activation of the membrane HYDROPHILIC MEMBRANE –– Perfect dynamic breathability

–– Maximum wear comfort and dry feet for maximum INTERMEDIATE LAYER performance in changing climatic conditions

LINING Areas of use –– Footwear

23 Recycling

While the focus of sustainability is often placed on the manufacturing process, there are now clear indications that the disposal of products also leads to ecological impacts that have acute consequences on our own living environment. Given the fact that clothing often ends up in third world countries where there is hardly any controlled disposal, our industry bears the secondary responsibility that air, oceans and land become polluted by gases from unfiltered combustion or uncontrolled landfill sites. That is why we have made it our goal to close the textile loop completely and to make a gradual contribution to the process that waste clothing can be recycled to become a raw material within our own industry. For clothing as well as for shoes, we have already shown that partial or even complete recycling is now technically possible if the right materials are selected in the first place. The Sympatex membrane is the perfect starting material due to its recyclability. In order to provide the right logistics for this, we have founded a consortium comprising major industrial partners. The consortium is open to all partners who pursue exactly the same goal: the collection and value-retaining recycling of textiles. In view of the 25 billion pairs of shoes and 1.5 million tonnes of clothing thrown away in Germany per year, this may only be the first small step - but it represents a functioning nucleus for a future in which we are true to our overall responsibility as an industry.

wear2wear is an innovative industry partnership for high-quality and, at the same time, sustainable clothing. Five competent partners joined forces in Europe, covering the entire recycling loop. The sustainable wear2wear concept is a synonym for high-quality, responsible clothing. New functional textiles are made of textile fibres from waste items of clothing in Europe and employs state-of-the-art production equipment. Depending on the application, the fibres produced fulfil high requirements, for example they are waterproof, breathable and provide protection and comfort. To close the resource loop, these textiles can be fully recycled at the end of their life. This means there is no waste because recycled materials are turned into apparel again. In this network, all participants guarantee that 100% recyclable functional fabrics from recycled textile fibres are used, ranging from the quality of the starting materials through to the guaranteed recycling process at the end.

24 Closing the loop together!

25 Quality

High standards of quality

All products which feature Sympatex are manufactured exclusively by professional, licensed partners. The licensees are trained and supported by production guidelines, production processes, patents and test equipment. The products with the Sympatex membrane are tested in minute details at the Sympatex laboratories to ensure that they feature good workmanship, are water and windproof, breathable and durable. In addition, all seams are sealed with genuine Sympatex tape to ensure that they are waterproof.

All tests conducted by Sympatex comply with Sympatex quality standards and international standards. Sympatex uses the tests to ensure that all its functional materials comply with or exceed these standards.

MEMBRANE POLYMER MANUFACTURING PRODUCING Quality control Testing membrane of raw materials properties

TEST PURCHASES IN RETAIL OUTLETS LAMINATION Finished product Released after is checked again profound testing

DELIVERY OF THE PROTOTYPE FINISHED COLLECTION MANUFACTURING Production advice, Testing and licensing inspections

26 27 Care

Care instructions

A real plus for the Sympatex membrane - it has no pores and instead works on a purely chemical and physical principle.

The hydrophilic (water-attracting) components of the Sympatex membrane absorb moisture from the body and transport it to the outside so that it can evaporate. At the same time, the poreless structure of the membrane prevents the ingress of rain. This means clothing which features Sympatex products are extremely easy to look after. Since unlike porous membranes (Gore-Tex, eVent) the Sympatex membrane cannot be blocked by either sweat (salt crystals) or dirt, the garments must be washed each time after wearing so as to maintain the function of the membrane. But detergent residues (tensides) can also not affect the poreless membrane which means that the garments retain their full performance even after frequent washing. So, it does not matter whether you wash the garments more or less often - 100% function and breathability remain guaranteed.

28 Apparel Footwear

Washing Cleaning –– Simple washing as specified on the care label –– Footwear should be cleaned from the outside –– Use of mild detergent or special detergent for functional with a soft brush and lukewarm water textiles without washing additives –– Do not use softener Drying –– Reduced spin speed (easy-care or delicate program) –– Dry footwear slowly and never place it in direct –– Close zips, velcro and buttons before washing sunlight or on heating radiators –– To maintain finish and colour freshness, we recommend thorough rinsing of the garments Impregnation –– Regular reimpregnation maintains protection from Dry cleaning dirt and helps the beading effect of the water –– Dry cleaning is possible –– Avoid extremely oil-based creams so as not to –– See care label adversely affect breathability –– Suitable care products for footwear with a Drying Sympatex membrane are available from your –– We recommend the use of a tumble drier as it footwear retailer activates the impregnation –– Dry at a low temperature and at low speed

Ironing –– Ironing reactivates the impregnation. The iron temperature should not exceed 110°C Repair (1 dot / 1st setting)

Reimpregnation –– Reimpregnate the upper material as soon as the water ceases to form beads –– Add the wash-in impregnating agent to the washing machine according to the instructions Damaged functional clothing need not be thrown away. –– Apply spray-on impregnation product to the outside In line with sustainability and durability, tears and holes can of the damp or dry garment be sealed with the correct materials and the know-how of –– Then dry in the tumble drier. The heat will help the our “Repair Partners”. impregnation product to condense and will improve Broken zips, torn-out pockets or sleeves that are too long its water repellent effect are not a problem either. –– Reimpregnation is also possible in dry cleaning cycle

Special notes Our authorised “Repair Partners” can be found at www.sympatex.com under “Information and Care”. –– Sympatex laminates which feature a fluorocarbon-free finish (e. g. Bionic Finish®), should be re-impregnated with a commercially available fluorocarbon-free product such as TX-Direct by Nikwax –– Do not use wash-in products with Sympatex ® HigH2Out laminates since they will get on to the lining side and have an adverse effect on the ® HigH2Out effect. The zip fasteners and buttons must be closed during application of spray-on impregnation products

29 Sympathy Lab™

No one needs to tell you or us that we should work to close the ‘textile loop’. We are part of one of the most polluting industries, while public opinion is asking us to take action. Like no one else, we understand that this is not a simple task. Growing your business and reducing your environmental impact seems like a contradiction. But we believe this is not the case.

Sympatex decided it will settle for no less than a 100% closed-loop garment. We can only get there together. Sympathy Lab™ creates the space for us to collaborate. It is an initiative from Sympatex, which means it is a ‘start-up’ with 30 years of experience.With Sympathy Lab™ we offer a dedicated partnership and a step-by-step process to close the loop together.

30 „I embrace collaboration. Globalisa- tion and connectivity made us aware that we are part of a complex sys- tem. Together we can solve the gre- atest challenges that face us as a species, including through choosing the type of clothing we wear.“ Dr. Rüdiger Fox, CEO Sympatex

31 For further information: www.sympatex.com

Sympatex Technologies GmbH Feringastrasse 7a 85774 Unterföhring/Germany

Phone: +49 (0) 89 9400 58-0 Fax: +49 (0) 89 9400 58-297 [email protected]