GORE-TEX ePE: the innovative membrane technology

Background: membranes & PFAS

Membranes are technical marvels. They keep us comfortable when we exercise outdoors in adverse weather conditions. They keep out moisture and wind, but allow perspiration to escape in the form of water vapour. This is the only way our body's "air conditioning" system can function properly during strenuous activity.

The big catch: Membrane technologies have often used chemicals that are harmful to the environment and human health. These include the so-called PFCS and PFAS, which have come under increasing criticism in recent years because, as so-called "forever chemicals", they do not break down on their own in the environment. The terms PFC and PFA stand for per- and polyfluorinated chemicals or alkyl substances and describe a group of more than 3,000 substances. PFAS and PFCs are used in many products, from cookware to fire extinguishers, mainly for their water, grease and dirt-repelling properties.

GORE-TEX ePE: New material, same performance

GORE-TEX is often used as a synonym for waterproof textiles. If you are looking for a waterproof jacket, you are usually looking for a Gore Tex rain jacket, or simply a "Gore Tex jacket". The brand shares this dominance with other high-profile representatives such as "Tempo" or "Uhu", which represent an entire product category.

In fact, W.L. Gore & Associates revolutionised the sports and outdoor industry with the introduction of the first Gore-Tex jacket in 1976. As the problems caused by the use of PFCS and PFAS became more widely known, the pressure on outdoor brands and membrane manufacturers naturally increased. That's why the outdoor industry has been working for years to eliminate PFCs and PFASs from its products and to find replacements.

Gore has been working on an alternative to the PTFE membrane for more than a decade. With the new ePE membrane, the American materials specialist will offer an alternative for the 2023/24 winter season that does not contain environmentally harmful PFCS - without compromising performance. Gore's long-term goal is to completely eliminate PFAS/PFCS from its product range.

The new ePE membrane is made of expanded polyethylene, which is lightweight and thin, yet tough. Like its PTFE-based counterpart, the membrane uses porous structures to provide high breathability while keeping moisture out. At the same time, the ePE membrane has a better CO2 balance because the lower mass of the membrane means that fewer resources are used. When the ePE membrane is combined with recycled, spin dyed or undyed textiles, the result is a laminate with an improved environmental balance.

The new membrane has no disadvantages for the consumer. On the contrary: The GORE-TEX GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY promise also applies to the latest membrane innovation. The new membrane is just as durable, waterproof and windproof as its predecessors.

Picture ©GORE-TEX

Dynafit

GORE-TEX ePE: New material, same performance

The advantages of the ePE membrane

> Breathable

> Permanently wind and waterproof

> Long product life

> No harmful PFCs & reduced carbon footprint

Does this mean you have to throw away your perfectly good GORE-TEX jacket or trousers with an ePTFE membrane and switch to a new product with an environmentally friendly membrane? Absolutely not! The release of environmentally harmful PFASs occurs primarily during the manufacturing and disposal of membrane products. So you don't need to buy anything new if your clothes are still serving you well. That makes it all the more important to look after what you already have. A long life through proper care is good for the environment and your wallet.

If you still want to buy something new, we have put together a little inspiration for you. You can find the new GORE-TEX ePE membrane in gloves, footwear and clothing. We have selected the highlights with GORE-TEX ePE membrane.

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