Burton · Ski & Snowboard Jackets
BURTON Men's 2L GORE-TEX SWASH JACKET
Higher PFAS risk due to GORE-TEX or Burton offers no transparency or alternatives.
GORE-TEX is a Teflon-family coating membrane known to contain or require PFAS in manufacturing. Burton doesn't disclose PFAS content, make PFAS-free claims, or offer third-party verification.
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Material
GORE-TEX membrane laminate (Teflon-family coating-based)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What BURTON Men's 2L GORE-TEX SWASH JACKET is made of, ingredients and materials
GORE-TEX is a Teflon-family coating-based membrane laminated to outer shell fabric, designed to repel water while allowing vapor transmission. The Teflon-family coating backbone, typically polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon-type coating) or similar, requires fluorinated compounds in manufacturing and finishing to achieve its water-repellent durability. This membrane is bonded to nylon or polyester outer layers, which may carry their own dyes and finishing treatments. The layered construction means multiple chemical inputs across materials, not just the membrane itself.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
PFAS
GORE-TEX membranes and fluorinated water-repellent coating coatings on ski jackets are major PFAS sources. These compounds persist in the environment and bioaccumulate; exposure thresholds remain under scientific review. Burton has not disclosed PFAS reduction efforts or offered alternatives.
Source, ATSDR ↗Microfiber shedding during washing and wear
Synthetic jacket shells (nylon/polyester) shed microscopic fibers with each wash and during abrasion. Ski jacket use involves high-friction movement; shedding rates increase as coatings degrade. Microfibers are not fully captured by standard washing machine filters and enter wastewater.
Azo dyes in outer shell and lining fabrics
Burton does not certify most jackets as Bluesign or GOTS-compliant, leaving textile dyes unverified. Azo dyes used in synthetic fabrics can break down under perspiration and UV exposure, though health risk from dermal contact is low compared to ingestion. Dyes in wastewater from washing pose environmental concern.
Membrane degradation and delamination over time
Users report GORE-TEX delamination (visible flaking) after 5-10 years of use, particularly with improper care (machine drying, heat exposure). Delamination releases microfibers and reduces water-repellency. Burton's warranty typically covers 2 years; repair or replacement is owner responsibility after that period.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No recalls or documented formaldehyde issues reported for Burton jackets. Adhesives used in membrane lamination are generally low-formaldehyde, but Burton does not disclose chemistry. Risk is low because jackets are worn over skin rather than close contact, but sensitivity reactions remain theoretically possible.
Source, ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Burton has not publicly committed to PFAS phase-out timelines or PFAS-free alternatives in their product lines, unlike some competing ski apparel brands (e.g., Patagonia's initiative toward fluorocarbon-free water-repellency). The company does not prominently disclose chemical inputs or third-party certifications (Bluesign, GOTS) on most product pages. No major recalls or documented chemical safety incidents specific to Burton jackets have been reported in public records, but the absence of transparency limits independent verification of their manufacturing practices.
How it compares in its category
GORE-TEX remains the industry standard for breathable waterproofing in premium ski jackets, so most Burton competitors (North Face, Salomon, Arc'teryx) use equivalent or identical membranes with identical PFAS profiles. Budget alternatives may use cheaper non-fluorinated membranes (e.g., polyurethane, eVent) with lower PFAS burden but reduced breathability and durability. Higher-end brands increasingly market PFAS-free options, though they remain niche and often more expensive. GORE-TEX itself has begun exploring fluorocarbon-reduced membranes, but adoption across brands remains slow.
If you buy it
Wash separately in cool water; avoid machine drying and high heat, which can degrade the membrane bond and risk releasing microfibers. Apply water-repellent finishes sparingly and only with low-fluorine or fluorine-free products (some aftermarket options exist), as reapplication adds chemical burden. Replace or repair when the membrane delaminates (visible flaking or loss of breathability), typically 5-10 years with normal use. Store dry in a breathable bag; avoid plastic compression, which traps moisture and accelerates degradation.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Burton has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.