CONSUMER'S INFORMATION

NANO-TEX TECHNOLOGY

• Statement regarding voluntary exclusion of Nano-Tex products from the Winter 2010 collection (22 February 2010)

  "Jack Wolfskin will voluntarily be renouncing the use of Nano-Tex products as of...

  "Jack Wolfskin will voluntarily be renouncing the use of Nano-Tex products as of the coming 2010 winter collection. This is based on the ongoing public debate over unresearched long-term effects, which was brought into the open at the end of last year when the German Federal Environment Agency updated the 'Nanotechnology for humans and the environment' study.

  The study primarily illustrated the opportunities resulting from nanotechnology, but also touched on the possible risks.The use of nanotechnology on textiles is, in comparison to other areas of use such as in cosmetics or food, generally considered not to pose a risk to humans. According to the study, there may be larger risks for the environment, as the nanoparticles found on the fibres could possibly separate and be released into the environment after sufficient washing.

  Nanoparticles in the technology from the manufacturer Nano-Tex used by Jack Wolfskin are not expected to separate, aside from the normal attrition found with every common fibre.The technology is based on a molecular alteration of the fibre structure, which results in improved water and dirt-repellent properties.

  There are no nanoparticles applied to the surface of the fibres in the technology used by Jack Wolfskin.This is ensured by tests commissioned by Jack Wolfskin in the Hohenstein test institute. Consequently, no risk is expected for humans or the environment.

  Nonetheless, Jack Wolfskin has decided to refrain from the further use of nanotechnology for now, until further research has been performed.

  The Nano-Tex products from the Summer 2010 collection already manufactured at the time of the study’s publication are available from the Jack Wolfskin online shop, along with the accompanying product descriptions and further information from Nano-Tex. Furthermore they can be purchased among the known retail channels.

  On the Jack Wolfskin homepage basically all customers can find out about nanotechnology in general (see link to Environment Agency study) and about the harmlessness of the technologies employed by Jack Wolfskin in particular (see various statements from Nano-Tex) when making their purchase."

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• Nano-Tex statement (13 November 2009)

  Today we received an updated statement from the American manufacturer of the Nan...

  On November 13th Jack Wolfksin received an updated statement from the American manufacturer of the Nano-Tex finish regarding the discussion of nanotechnology. The original document is available as a download version:

  "Nano-Tex is aware of a study on the toxic effects of nanoparticles. We are also aware of additional scientific investigations into the means and effect of nanoparticle transfer and absorption.

  These studies and their findings bear no relevance to the family of Nano-Tex products (Nano-Tex, Nano-Care, Nano-Pel, Nano-Dry, Nano-Touch). The polymers used in Nano-Tex treatments durably bind to the fabric’s fibers through a patented attachment technology. Additionally, Nano-Tex treatments are designed to be non-bioabsorbant; the polymers used are too large to be absorbed into the skin or inhaled. Furthermore, Nano-Tex does NOT use nanotubes, buckyballs or any other nanomaterials that could be ingested or inhaled.

  All Nano-Tex products comply with all known environmental and health and safety standards, worldwide."

  
  Nano-Tex, LLC
  5770 Shellmound Street
  Emeryville, CA 94608

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• What is nanotechnology?

  Dealing with structures in the nanometre range is a relatively new science and t...

  Dealing with structures in the nanometre range is a relatively new science and technology.Research and development is being carried out in a wide variety of directions.Nanotechologies are expected to offer enormous potential for the optimisation of processes, which can also help protect the environment and ensure greater energy efficiency.
  
  New medication and treatments, better catalytic converters for cars, more effective filters for gases and liquids and much more are expected.The connecting thought behind the technology is that ordered structures at a range under 100 nm have special properties that should be exploited.

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• What is known about the risks of nanotechnology?

  The effects of the most diverse nanoparticles on humans and the environment have...

  The effects of the most diverse nanoparticles on humans and the environment have not yet been adequately researched. In a risk study published in October 2009, the German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) refers to various unresolved issues and risks in connection with the new technology.

  
  Most reports deal with free nanoparticles and their effects. It is also established that there is no overview of the various nanotechnologies. Manufacturers are being called on to declare nanoproducts and to contribute to the investigation of risks.

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• In which products does JACK WOLFSKIN use nanotechnology?

  We have equipped various materials with nanotechnology and have declared these c...

  We have equipped various materials with nanotechnology and have declared these clearly from the beginning. All nanoproducts have ‘NANO-TEX’ added to the list of materials, and often also to the product name. Products that do not indicate this do not contain nanotechnology.

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• What is the technology behind NANO-TEX?

  All our NANO-TEX products have the same finish, which is applied by our material...

  All our NANO-TEX products have the same finish, which is applied by our material manufacturers. This is a product from the US manufacturer Nano-Tex Inc. from Emeryville, California.

  The main component in the finish is fluorocarbon. Nano-tex Inc states that larger polymer compounds are involved, which have areas with regular structures in the nano range.These cause the special effect, although they are firmly bound. Information about this can be found in the “NANO-TEX Product Safety Statement 2009”.

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• Is NANO-TEX harmless?

  A variety of tests were carried out by the manufacturer when developing the NANO...

  A variety of tests were carried out by the manufacturer when developing the NANO-TEX finish in 2005. These focused in particular on skin tolerance and certain chemicals that clothing should not contain.

  The results were positive, so we decided to use the finish for our products. The issue of the release of nano-sized particles, which is now being discussed, has not yet been examined. From where we currently stand, it is therefore not possible to certify that NANO-TEX products are harmless. However, the description of the technology would lead us to believe that NANO-TEX is most likely harmless.

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• Is there any evidence of risks caused by NANO-TEX?

  The report by the UBA points out that the risks posed by nanotechnology have not...

  The report by the UBA points out that the risks posed by nanotechnology have not yet been researched.Nanoparticles in cosmetics and foodstuffs appear to be particularly problematic. In the field of clothing, studies in the USA and Sweden have shown that nanoparticles of silver can come loose when the clothing is washed and can get into the waste water.

  
  The UBA itself tested the abrasion characteristics of textiles with nanoparticles of titanium dioxide and noted that no nanoparticles were released.However, neither of these investigations involved the NANO-TEX technology that we use. There are therefore general references to risks caused by clothing with nanotechnology, but none regarding the fluorocarbon technology in NANO-TEX.

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• Can you use NANO-TEX products with a clear conscience?

  Like many new technologies, nanotechnology has significant potential to provide ...

  Like many new technologies, nanotechnology has significant potential to provide benefits.The water- and dirt-repellent properties of NANO-TEX textiles are convincing.There is no verified evidence of risks caused by NANO-TEX.
  At the same time, it is possible that in the next few years, new discoveries will not only improve products but also indicate problems that will have to be solved. Nothing is certain yet, which means that each user must make a personal decision.

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