The fluoro ban is finally coming
In March we witnessed a fantastic city sprint in Tallinn. For the first time, we can say with 100% certainty that all skiers used fluoro-free ski wax. Now, FIS and IBU have decided that this is the future.
"We are witnessing a historic moment," said FIS race director Michal Lamplot as he observed the waxing stations before the race in Tallinn on March 21st.
The following day, the news came out that FIS and IBU once again decided that the ski sport should be fluor-free. A new ban against fluoro will come into effect after this season. It is now the third time that FIS and IBU have attempted to remove all toxic fluorine substances from our sport.
You might also want to read: How we researched fluoro-free ski waxes
"Our time's biggest chemical environmental threat"
"There is no reason for ski sport to continue to spread health-hazardous fluoro substances in the environment. The substances have been labeled Forever Chemicals, and European authorities have identified it as our time's biggest chemical environmental threat with significant health hazards for everyone exposed to them," says Christian Gløgård, research and development director at Swix.
Fluro-free only: Research and development director at Swix, Christian Gløgård, at our factory in Lillehammer. We only make fluoro-free ski wax.
In 2020, Swix stopped all production and commercial sales of fluoro ski wax. This season, Swix's waxers have traveled to ski races worldwide without fluoro in their luggage. While nations, teams, and other suppliers have continued on the same path with fluoro wax under their skis, Swix has used the time to develop, test, and sell in fluoro-free products to the rest of the industry.
"The fluoro-free products we offer today are excellent and result from thousands of hours of research and development with our partners. We are grateful for the support from the Research Council over the last ten years. It has made possible an economic investment that would otherwise not have been possible and ensured that Swix and Norway remain leaders in lubrication technology," continues Gløgård.
The best is still the best - even without fluoro.
Tuesday's evening race in Tallinn was a milestone. For the first time since the fluoro entered the 1980s, all skiers went without the toxic substance under their skis. The race was just as entertaining for the TV viewer as if they had used fluoro, and the best showed that they are still the best.
We have been waiting for a fluoro-free ski sport and are finally looking forward to it happening next season.
Photo: NordicFocus.