Helly Hansen Now Offers Ekolab Collection
August 19th, 2008 Posted in Helly Hansen News | No Comments » Helly Hansen Launches Ekolab™ R&D Project
Norwegian Brand Eliminates PTFE from Waterproof Breathable Membranes and Introduces
Fluorocarbon-free DWR
Helly Hansen has designed gear to stand up to winter’s worst weather for more than 130 years. The Norwegian performance apparel and footwear manufacturer wants to ensure long, cold snowy winters will continue for another 130 years and centuries beyond through sustainable design and manufacturing processes. Helly launched the Ekolab R&D project in 2008 to try out new ideas, discover ways to address environmental sustainability and reduce its impact on the planet. As an early result, Helly this season eliminated harmful PTFE from the waterproof breathable membranes in all of its products, introduced fluorocarbon-free DWR coatings, incorporated recycled fabrics and pursued minimalist design practices that reduce the need for excess resources. The technical jackets and pants, fleece products and organic cotton Ts in the Ekolab collection are the starting point for the company’s long-term environmental initiative.
The men’s and women’s Ekolab Jacket and Pant are constructed with waterproof breathable Helly Tech® econylon fabrics coloured with environmentally sensitive dyes. The jackets are exceptionally durable yet are designed with a minimalist approach to reduce the amount of materials and energy resources required to produce the products. Performance features like pit zips were incorporated without adding any unnecessary metal and plastic parts.
- 3-layer Helly Tech® waterproof breathable protection
- Econylon: ökotex 100 certified
- Low impact dyeing and printing processes
- Fully taped
- Pit zips
- Water resistant zips: ökotex 100 certified
- Powder skirt
- Attached hood
- PU membrane (eliminates PTFE)
- Fluorocarbon-free DWR coating
- All hardware made from 100% recycled materials
Ekolab Jacket Features:
- 3-layer Helly Tech® waterproof breathable protection
- Econylon: ökotex 100 certified
- Low impact dyeing and printing processes
- Fully taped
- Leg vents
- Reinforced hem
- Belt loops
- PU membrane (eliminates PTFE)
- Fluorocarbon-free DWR coating
- All hardware made from 100% recycled materials
Ekolab Pant Features
In addition to the jacket and pant, the Ekolab collection includes a men’s and women’s fleece made with 60% recycled material and a series of organic cotton t-shirts. The Winter 2008 collection is a positive start Helly Hansen has taken to contribute to the performance apparel industry’s movement toward an environmentally sustainable future.
Helly Hansen has manufactured technical outdoor apparel since 1877.Today the brand is recognized as a global leader in technical apparel and footwear designs for a range of outdoor and water sports activities. Helly Hansen products are distributed in more than 40 countries.
