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Columbia Sportswear Launches Omni-Tech™ Eco Fabric in 2025 with Enhanced Sustainability and Performance
In April 2025, Columbia Sportswear unveiled a significant evolution in technical outerwear with the launch of Omni-Tech™ Eco, a next-generation waterproof fabric that represents both a performance upgrade and a major step forward in sustainable manufacturing. Building on the legacy of Columbia’s original Omni-Tech line, the Eco version is engineered with a sharp focus on environmental responsibility—without compromising on function.
1. 100% Recycled Outer Fabric
At the core of the Eco upgrade is a completely recycled outer fabric, designed to reduce the brand’s reliance on virgin polyester. Sourced from post-consumer plastic waste, this material not only meets Columbia’s technical requirements for abrasion resistance and breathability but also significantly lowers the carbon footprint associated with production.
2. PFAS-Free DWR (Durable Water Repellent)
Columbia has eliminated intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from its water-repellent coatings in this fabric. The PFAS-free DWR finish offers reliable water resistance and faster drying while aligning with global regulatory movements to reduce PFAS use due to their persistent environmental impact.
3. Plant-Based Membrane Composition
The waterproof-breathable membrane of Omni-Tech™ Eco includes at least 25% plant-based content, utilizing biopolymer technology derived in part from recycled coffee grounds. These grounds, which would otherwise contribute to landfill waste, are repurposed to enhance both sustainability and performance—providing natural odor resistance and improved moisture management.
4. Three-Layer Construction for Versatility
Omni-Tech™ Eco jackets feature a 3-layer laminate structure, making them highly suitable for high-output outdoor activities like hiking, backcountry travel, and alpine pursuits. The inner layer is soft against the skin, while the outer shell is abrasion-resistant, ensuring long-term durability.
5. Product Applications
This fabric is already featured in Columbia’s Altbound and Boulder Falls jackets—two technical shell garments designed for variable weather conditions. Both models offer:
Fully taped seams for complete waterproofing.
Helmet-compatible hoods.
Pit zips for ventilation.
Adjustable cuffs and hems to seal out weather.
Columbia plans to extend the use of Omni-Tech™ Eco across a broader range of outerwear and rainwear in future seasonal collections.
The launch of Omni-Tech™ Eco positions Columbia among a growing cohort of outdoor brands making substantial efforts to reduce environmental impact. By replacing PFAS and incorporating recycled and bio-based components, Columbia is responding to both consumer demand and global policy shifts that prioritize sustainability in textiles and chemical use.
From a professional perspective, Columbia’s move to integrate recycled and plant-based materials in a high-performance waterproof fabric marks a meaningful milestone. The Omni-Tech™ Eco is more than a marketing gesture—it’s a practical example of how innovation can align with environmental goals. While the performance of PFAS-free alternatives continues to be closely scrutinized by the technical gear community, early field reports suggest Columbia has struck a promising balance between function and ecological responsibility. This fabric sets a new standard not only for Columbia’s product line but for the broader industry as it evolves toward cleaner, more transparent supply chains.
