ABOUT POLYFLUORINATED, & PERFLUORINATED CHEMICALS
PTFE is short for Polytetrafluoroethylene. Also known under the brand name Teflon, PTFE is used for its slippery, water-resistant properties. Otter Wax does not use PTFE, polyfluorinated, or perfluorinated chemicals. Some of the products made from these chemicals include waterproof apparel, fabric and leather waterproofing treatments, bakeware, and lubricants. PFOA is used to produce PTFE, and both are considered polyfluorinated chemicals. Otter Wax products are made only with high-quality natural ingredients, and chemicals such as PTFE, polyfluorinated, or perfluorinated chemicals are banned from being used as an ingredient in any of our products.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
There are health concerns over PTFE, polyfluorinated, or perfluorinated chemicals because the chemicals stay in the human body, as well as in the environment, for significant periods of time. Many studies have been done on the safety of PTFE, polyfluorinated, or perfluorinated chemicals, with results showing that the chemical is present in very minute levels in people all around the world. PTFE, polyfluorinated, or perfluorinated chemicals do not biodegrade and are also biopersistent. In 2015 Greenpeace found polyfluorinated chemicals contaminating water across the globe. Sweden, Turkey, Russia, Patagonia and China all had polyfluorinated chemicals in their ice and water. PTFE accumulates in human body tissue.
OTTER WAX POLICY CONCERNING THE USE OF CHEMICALS
Otter Wax does not use PTFE, polyfluorinated, or perfluorinated chemicals: We never have. We are fully committed to maintaining our company-wide ban on their use in any form. Otter Wax uses simple, natural alternatives to make our line of fabric care, leather care, apothecary, home goods, and apparel perform without PTFE, polyfluorinated, or perfluorinated chemicals. Because our products are used on your clothes, furniture, body, etc. we believe PTFE, polyfluorinated, or perfluorinated chemicals should not be an ingredient that is utilized by our company in any way, shape, or form.