Gore-Tex’s innovative expanded polyethylene (ePE) membrane

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Gore-Tex’s innovative expanded polyethylene (ePE) membrane

After years of development and research, Gore-Tex unveils its innovative new expanded Polyethylene (ePE) membrane that will replace the less sustainable and durable expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). The first applications of the material will be in collaboration with several brands, such as Adidas, Patagonia and Salomon.

W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) unveiled the new material developed based on expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE): expanded polyethylene (ePE).

Let’s try to make things clearer for the less experts in field. Until now ePTFE has been used by many brands; the material guarantees impermeability and breathability but at a high energy and chemical cost, resulting not very sustainable. The new material (ePE) developed by Gore, on the other hand, confirms once again an excellent performance but also responsible.

The new membrane, in fact, is the result of decades of study and expertise on polymers, proving to be the winning combination to become a microporous material much stronger than the previous one. ePE also has an optimal strength to weight ratio, giving the possibility to create extremely lightweight and thin products. When combined with Polyurethane (PU), it creates a waterproof, windproof, breathable and durable membrane. So sustainability lies in the material’s greater strength and lower carbon footprint, as noted by Higg MSI.

The new ePE membrane will be available for the Fall Winter 2022 season in Gore-Tex branded products in the outdoor (apparel), lifestyle (clothing and footwear) and glove categories for winter sports from customers such as Adidas, Patagonia, Salomon and more.

As we await the release of the new products, Gore would like to remind us that the “Guaranteed to keep you dry” promise will always be kept.

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