Gore-Tex manufacturer announces availability of new PFAS-free membrane, but still uses “forever chemicals” to make its outdoor apparel and gear

Seattle, WA – After decades of providing waterproof outdoor materials using PFAS chemicals, Gore, the maker of GORE-TEX^®, today announced a step away from these chemicals. Gore will offer a new option for the key membrane that provides waterproofing in its consumer outdoor clothing products. The new membrane is made without PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), but GORE-TEX^® items generally have a second waterproofing treatment, a surface coating known as durable water repellent (DWR) made of PFAS. The first products using this new PFAS-free membrane will be available for purchase in late 2022. The new membrane technology, called ePE by Gore, is an alternative to the company’s ePTFE membrane, which is made with PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.” Gore has not yet publicly committed to eliminating all PFAS from manufacturing GORE-TEX^® or in DWR treatments used on GORE-TEX products.

CONTINUE READING ON saferchemicals.org