A Wadhurst-based clothing company has been announced as the winner of the ‘Bold Move’ category in this year’s Guardian Sustainable Business Awards.
Páramo, which produces high-performance outdoor clothing, won the award – presented by adventurer Ben Fogle – after becoming the first outdoor company to sign up to Greenpeace Detox commitment.
Instead of using PFC-based water repellents in their clothing, Páramo waterproofs use an alternative
fabric technology, Nikwax Analogy, developed by the company’s founder, Nick Brown.
Unlike PFC-based water repellents, it does not break down to form toxic and persistent chemicals.
The Guardian said: “Páramo is one of the few PFC-free outdoor brands currently on the market.
“In a demonstration of industry leadership, the apparel company came out publicly this year to support Greenpeace’s call for an end to the use of this toxic chemical in outdoor gear.”
Greenpeace’s Cecilia Preite Martinez said: “Páramo is setting the highest standard in the whole outdoor sector and this example should encourage bigger brands to take the lead for a toxic-free future.”
