For decades, the outdoor industry has relied on a hidden ingredient to deliver the high-performance water and stain resistance we’ve all come to expect from our gear. That ingredient is a class of chemicals called PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as “forever chemicals.”
They’re in the DWR coating on your rain jacket, the fabric of your tent, and the upholstery of your camp furniture. They are incredibly effective at repelling water, oil, and stains. They are also incredibly persistent. The same carbon-fluorine bond that makes them so effective also makes them nearly impossible to break down. They accumulate in our environment—our soil, our water, and our bodies—and have been linked to a range of serious health issues.
At Furnigami, we believe that the gear we take into the wild should not be poisoning it. We believe that performance should not come at the cost of our health or the health of our planet. That is why we are making a firm, public commitment:
By 2027, all Furnigami products will be PFAS-free, with a threshold of under 50 parts per million (PPM).
What Are PFAS and Why Are They a Problem?
PFAS are a family of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals that have been used in manufacturing since the 1940s. Their ability to resist heat, water, and oil has made them ubiquitous in consumer products, from non-stick pans to outdoor gear.
But their indestructibility is a double-edged sword. Once released into the environment, they do not degrade. They build up in our ecosystems and in the tissues of living organisms. Studies have shown that nearly every person in the United States has a measurable amount of PFAS in their blood, and these chemicals have been linked to cancer, liver damage, immune system disruption, and developmental issues.
For an industry built on a love for the natural world, this is an unacceptable paradox. The very gear we use to immerse ourselves in nature is contributing to its contamination.
Our Commitment: Stricter Than the Standard
Legislative action is catching up. States like California and New York have already banned PFAS in apparel, setting a threshold of 100 PPM. But we believe we can and must do better.
Our commitment to be under 50 PPM by 2027 is not just about meeting a regulatory requirement; it’s about leading the way. It’s about setting a new standard for what it means to be a responsible outdoor brand.
This is not an easy transition. It requires a complete re-evaluation of our supply chain, intensive research into alternative materials, and a significant investment in new technologies. But we believe it is a non-negotiable part of our mission to create the world’s most innovative—and responsible—camping furniture.
The Road Ahead
We are already working with our suppliers to phase out PFAS in all our materials, from the fabric of our CUSHPAK™ cushions to the coatings on our frames. We are exploring and testing new, high-performance alternatives that deliver the durability and water resistance you expect from Furnigami without the toxic side effects.
This is a journey, and we are committed to being transparent with you every step of the way. We will share our progress, our challenges, and our successes. Because this is bigger than just us. It’s about the future of the outdoor industry and the health of the wild places that inspire us all.
Join us in demanding better from the brands you trust. The wild is not a place for forever chemicals.
