Ekolab Jacket and Pant
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.
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.
Ekolab Jacket Features
- 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 Pant 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
About Helly Hansen
Founded in Moss, Norway, in 1877, Helly Hansen continues to protect and enable professionals making their living on oceans and mountains around the world. Their apparel, developed through a blend of Scandinavian design and insights drawn from living in some of the harshest environments on earth, helps provide the confidence professionals need to step out into the elements and complete their jobs. The company invented the first supple, waterproof fabrics more than 130 years ago, created the first fleece fabrics in the 1960s and introduced the first technical baselayers made with LIFA® Stay Dry Technology in the 1970s. Today, Helly Hansen is the official uniform partner for more than 35 ski resorts and mountain guiding operations. The brand's outerwear, baselayers, sportswear and footwear for winter, outdoor and water sports are sold in more than 40 countries. To learn more about Helly Hansen's latest collections, visit www.hellyhansen.com.
