NEXT GENERATION WATERPROOFS: Why the new GORE-TEX fabric

The latest invention by the fabric supplier is a significant step towards lowering the carbon footprint of waterproof clothing

The GORE-TEX brand has launched a new waterproof fabric that’s being hailed by outdoor industry leaders as a huge step forward for sustainability. The material, which was developed in collaboration with Patagonia, Mountain Equipment, and other well-known brands, is the first GORE-TEX fabric to be entirely free from perfluorocarbons— the harmful chemical compounds better known as PFCs.

The fabric is based on a new innovative waterproof membrane made of Expanded Polyethylene, or ePE. According to Patagonia’s Kristo Torgersen, ePE is not just PFC-free, it’s also more supple, and has a lower mass than more traditional waterproof membranes, which brings other environmental benefits. “Because it’s less material to produce, it requires less carbon output, less energy input, and less water usage. We set out to eliminate PFCs, but we got so much more,” he explained in a statement.

Finding a way to make a PFC-free waterproof membrane was the result of a decade-long R&D process, Torgersen said. “Achieving the answer required creativity, boldness and commitment in our partnership,” he said. “The solution didn’t come easy. Other options were tried and abandoned along the way, but we weathered these setbacks and pushed forward together.”

Polyethylene (PE) itself is not a brand-new material, but PE-based products previously lacked the durability needed for waterproof, windproof and breathable clothing that would meet the demands of Patagonia’s community of skiers, climbers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who put trust in quality products. The ePE membrane on the other hand provides “the same waterproof performance as traditional GORE-TEX products with no PFCs”.

When the GORE-TEX brand started making materials for outdoor clothing in the 1970s, the impact of PFCs was not widely known, but studies have shown that they can contaminate water sources and have toxic effects on wildlife. Because they take a long time to degrade, PFCs can accumulate in various organisms and end up being passed up the food chain. They’ve been proven to affect the growth, reproduction, and immune systems of several fish and animal species, and have been linked to hormonal and liver problems in people.

These alarming findings have made eliminating the chemicals a priority not just for Patagonia, but for other outdoor clothing brands too. Norrøna, the Norwegian outdoor brand founded in 1929, and British brand Mountain Equipment are among the companies who’ve jumped at the chance to use the new GORE-TEX products.

Finding Balance

A game-changing 3-layer waterproof, engineered for year-round mountain use. Featuring new GORE-TEX product technology that provides durably waterproof, windproof, breathable protection, and is PFC-free with a reduced carbon footprint, our Makalu range balances our commitment to reducing our ecological impact whilst remaining steadfast on high-performance, no matter the conditions.