#China #Shanghai #Sustainable Textiles #ANTA Group #AEROVENT ZERO

ANTA Group Launches AEROVENT ZERO: A Game Changer in Textile Sustainability

On August 28, 2025, ANTA Group, in collaboration with Donghua University, made a remarkable debut by launching AEROVENT ZERO, a high-performance waterproof-breathable textile developed in China that is devoid of harmful PFAS chemicals. This innovation marks a key moment in global textile advancement, specifically in the realm of sustainability.

As the world increasingly embraces eco-friendly practices, the necessity for sustainable textiles has become paramount. AEROVENT ZERO emerges as a beacon of innovation at a time when the industry is urgently calling for PFAS-free solutions. This new material's development represents China's first mass-produced high-performance PFAS-free waterproof membrane, signaling a significant industrial milestone and reshaping competitive dynamics in the technical textiles sector.

AEROVENT ZERO: An Indigenous Breakthrough

The journey towards creating AEROVENT ZERO is rooted in a dedicated research and development process aimed at achieving technological autonomy in the textile industry. Traditionally, PFAS-free technologies have been dominated by international methods, making it crucial for local players like ANTA to establish their own pathways to innovation. The R&D teams at ANTA and Donghua University successfully developed this new waterproofing membrane, which relies on bio-based polymers instead of petroleum derivatives. About 20% of its composition is sourced from bio-based materials, aligning with long-term sustainability goals and differentiating it from many existing international counterparts.

Test results from authorized laboratories show that AEROVENT ZERO meets international standards, boasting a hydrostatic head of 18,000 mmH₂O and a moisture vapor transmission rate of 7,000 g/(m²•24h). These figures demonstrate significant advancements in both breathability and waterproofing capabilities, addressing the challenges posed by PFAS-free technologies.

Bridging the Gap: From Lab to Market

AEROVENT ZERO's journey from conceptualization to market-ready product illustrates the importance of integrating academia with industry. ANTA's established relationship with Donghua University fosters an innovative ecosystem that enhances knowledge transfer and accelerates product development timelines. With a well-organized value chain encompassing fundamental research, applied testing, product refinement, and large-scale manufacturing, ANTA has effectively closed the gap often seen in technology commercialization.

The widespread deployment of AEROVENT ZERO not only meets rigorous global standards but does so at a remarkably competitive price point—approximately one-third of similar international products. This strategic pricing supports broader consumer access to advanced waterproof-breathable textiles while promoting the proliferation of sustainable textile technologies.

A Vision for the Future

ANTA Group is committed to sustainability, laying out plans to have at least 50% of their products be sustainable by 2030, with an equal commitment to sourcing raw materials from sustainable origins. The introduction of AEROVENT ZERO is a critical step towards realizing this vision and represents a landmark achievement in China's efforts to lead the global textile market towards PFAS-free innovations.

Milestones in the Development of AEROVENT ZERO

• - 2017: ANTA begins investing in high-performance waterproof-breathable fabric research.
• - 2021: ANTA and Donghua University launch a collaboration aimed at advancing fabric technologies.
• - 2023: Introduction of China’s first independently developed waterproof-breathable membrane, AEROVENT.
• - 2025: Official launch of the AEROVENT ZERO membrane and its incorporation into ANTA's new generation waterproof jackets.

With AEROVENT ZERO, ANTA is leading the charge into a new era of textiles, paving the way for sustainable innovation and redefining the market landscape for high-performance outdoor apparel.