Number

189-EN

Section

General Section

Use

Abstract

Arnitel® VT, produced by DSM, is a commercial product specifically designed to have a very high breathability which makes it an alternative to PFC based breathable membranes used in textile applications. Arnitel VT is a thermo plastic co-polyester; halogen and plasticizer free, free of fluor or fluor based components and 100% recyclable. Due to its nature, Arnitel VT also has a carbon footprint which is significantly lower than fluor (PFC) based products.

Substituted substances

Alternative Substances

Reliability of information

Evidence of implementation: there is evidence that the solution was implemented and in use at time of publication

Reason substitution

vPvB
other toxic effects

Other type of alternative

This is an alternative material, a thermoplastic co-polyester, as a substitute to materials based on perfluorinated substances.

Hazard Assessment

Substance to be substituted: Perfluorinated compounds (PFC) have a harmonised classification according to Annex VI of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation). Alternative substances: The disclosed alternative substance is not on the database of hazardous substances according to SUBSPORTplus screening criteria (SDSC) and have no official risk or hazard classification.

Description of Substitution

Arnitel VT (www.arnitel.com) is a thermoplastic co-polyester which is free of fluor and flour-based components or other halogens. It is 100% recyclable and not classified with regard to hazard. In the production of Arnitel VT no carcinogenic, mutagenic, reprotoxic or ecotoxic raw materials are used. Test plates of Arnitel VT meet the requirements of the US Pharmacopoeia Plastics Test (Class VI). Arnitel VT also can be safely used in food contact applications, in full compliance with the relevant regulations. Declarations of Compliance are available upon request. Due to its nature, Arnitel VT features a carbon footprint which is significantly lower than flour (PFC) based products. DSM’s Arnitel has quite a number of unique features due to its composition (co-polyester) of hard and soft blocks. This basic structure allows Arnitel to be very versatile. A very unique feature is Arnitel's breathability. DSMs Research team was able to design a unique soft block technology which can transmit moisture in a very efficient way. The soft block works like a sponge, absorbing the high moisture content on your body and transmit it to theoutside world. This basic principle has many advantages: it only works when you want it to work. Meaning, you want a membrane to work when you start sweating, when you are cold (not sweating) it should keep you nice and warm. This in contrary to microporous systems (often PFC based). Arnitel based membranes can be made ultra-thin. This, combined with a density significantly lower than of PFC, makes the membrane very light. The elastic/stretchable properties of Arnitel make the product easy to wear with no risks of fractures. Arnitel based membranes are closed membranes (monolytic). The moisture transports goes via the chemical structure (softblocks) of Arnitel. In contrary to microporous systems, Arnitel based membranes have no clogging of holes, no issues with surface tension lowering media (washing a microporous jacket, a special additive is used to prevent loss of membrane integrity. This is not the case for Arnitel). Condensation on the membrane when sporting at low outdoor temperatures creates breathing issues for microporous systems (holes are blocked), not for Arnitel. Performance wise Arnitel is a superior product and taking the whole life cycle into account , it is a product with a significantly lower carbon footprint (more than 50%) and 100% recyclable. As many textiles are polyester based, a co-polyester material fits into the recycling stream. Breathable membranes are used to protect against rain and other outside influences but allows transpiration to move away from the body freely. The membrane also offers a 100% protection from bacteria and viruses. Arnitel VT is used for many years in outdoor products (jackets, shoes, etc), medical gowns and drapes, mattress covers and work wear.

Case/substitution evaluation

This case story is from a producer, describing an alternative breathable textile material without perfluorinated substances. Perfluorinated substances, such as PFOA and PFOS are of high concern since they have shown to be cancerogenic, toxic to reproduction and persistent. PFOS and PFOA are restricted in the EU by Regulation (EU) 2019/1021. We have not been able to evaluate the full chemical content of the material, but according to the information provider the material is free of halogens and plasticizers, which is of advantage from both a consumer safety and an environmental point of view. The material is also recyclable.

State of implementation

Full capacity

Availability ofAlternative

On the market

Producer/Provider

https://www.dsm.com/corporate/home.html

Type of information supplier

Producer / distributor

Contact

https://www.dsm.com/corporate/home.html

Further information

Further product information and MSDS on DSM-website. DSM - Bright Science. Brighter Living.™Royal DSM is a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials. By connecting its unique competences in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences DSM is driving economic prosperity, environmental progress and social advances to create sustainable value for all stakeholders. DSM delivers innovative solutions that nourish, protect and improve performance in global markets such as food and dietary supplements, personal care, feed, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, automotive, paints, electrical and electronics, life protection, alternative energy and bio-based materials. DSM’s 22,000 employees deliver annual net sales of around €9 billion. The company is listed on NYSE Euronext. More information can be found at www.dsm.com.

Date, reviewed

November 26, 2021