W. L. Gore’s Fabrics Division is introducing the use of expanded polyethylene (ePE) as a new complementary material platform as the basis for their membrane technologies.

New ePE membranes will appear in Gore-Tex brand consumer products beginning in the Autumn/Winter 2022 season.

Products featuring new new ePE membrane will be introduced in a selection of consumer-end uses including general outdoor and lifestyle garments, lifestyle footwear and snow sports gloves from select customers including Adidas, Arc’teryx, Dakine, Patagonia, Reusch, Salomon and Ziener.

Gore applied its decades of scientific knowledge and polymer expertise to combine the right materials and processes that manipulate ePE into a strong microporous material.

The new membrane leverages a high strength-to-weight ratio to create extremely lightweight and thin composites that are still mechanically robust, enabling durable performance and a low environmental footprint.

When combined with polyurethane (PU), the result is a durably waterproof, windproof and breathable membrane with a low membrane mass resulting in a lower carbon footprint, as measured by Higg MSI. The new membrane is also free of PFCs of Environmental Concern (PFCECs).

With more than 11,000 Associates and a strong, team-oriented culture, Gore generates annual revenues of $3.8 billion.

www.gore.com

(Article originally published 30 September 2021).