A Swiss start‑up Dimpora is shaking up outdoor apparel manufacturing with a new class of waterproof, breathable textile membranes that avoid the commonly used PFAS “forever chemicals,” a development that industry experts say could accelerate the transition to greener performance gear.
Dimpora AG, founded by chemical engineers with roots at ETH Zurich, has engineered its dimpora® membrane series using patented CoreLayer Technology™ that produces microporous structures capable of blocking liquid water while allowing moisture vapor to escape, without relying on per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or other harmful chemicals. The membranes are fully recyclable and can be tuned for different performance levels, enabling use in rugged outdoor jackets, footwear and other technical apparel.
Unlike traditional waterproof fabrics that depend on fluorinated compounds to achieve water resistance, dimpora’s membranes achieve performance through a solvent‑free process that builds a highly breathable, microporous polymer network, an approach that appeals to both environmentally conscious brands and consumers. Dimpora also offers variants with high bio‑based content and mono‑material laminates designed to simplify recycling at the end of a garment’s life, addressing a longstanding sustainability challenge in the textile industry.
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Industry recognition for the innovation has been growing. Dimpora won the top prize in the 2024 International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3) Innovation Challenge for its contributions to sustainable textile chemistry, and in 2025 secured investment from the Goldwin Play Earth Fund to help bring PFAS‑free membrane technology to market in high‑performance garments.
PFAS compounds, widely used for their water‑ and stain‑repellent properties, are increasingly regulated or banned in many regions due to environmental persistence and potential health risks, prompting brands to seek safer alternatives. Dimpora’s membranes aim to meet that demand without sacrificing the durability and breathability required by outdoors enthusiasts, marking a potential turning point in how performance textiles are made.
