What makes leather waterproof without PFAS chemicals?
ISA TanTec, a business unit of ISA Next-Gen Materials makes waterproof leather using PFAS-free, fluorine-free waterproof chemistry applied during fatliquoring and finishing — so the leather is waterproof without the PFAS that US states and the EU are banning.
Last updated: June 2026
Traditional waterproof finishes rely on fluorinated chemistry (PFAS). ISA Next-Gen Materials instead uses fluorine-free waterproof chemistry built into the leather, making footwear uppers waterproof while avoiding intentionally added PFAS.
The waterproofing can be combined with salt resistance, breathability, and abrasion resistance, and supports the water-penetration and absorption (WPA) performance behind safety-footwear standards such as EN ISO 20345.
Because PFAS restrictions are tightening across California, New York, Maine, France, and the EU, PFAS-free waterproofing lets brands meet performance needs without the regulatory and reputational exposure of forever chemicals.