A new innovation from W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) was unveiled last week — and will be seen in new products beginning in Fall 2022, including in footwear from adidas and Salomon.

‍Gore-Tex’s expanded Polyethylene (ePE) is a new complementary material platform that will serve as the basis for their membrane technologies.

What has Gore so excited about ePE is that it delivers waterproof breathability with reduced weight and a lower environmental footprint. The new innovation has been “tested exhaustively,” explained Matt Decker, global technical leader, Gore, noting that the development of ePE at Gore has been close to 20 years in the making. The key words from the company in describing ePE are “responsible performance.”  

Traits of Gore’s new ePE membrane:

• Leverages high strength-to-weight ratio to create extremely lightweight and thin composites that are still mechanically robust.
• Enables durable performance and a low environmental footprint.
• When combined with Polyurethane (PU), the result creates a durably waterproof, windproof and breathable membrane.
• Combination of the ePE material and low membrane mass results in a lower carbon footprint, as measured by Higg MSI.
• Advances Gore Fabrics Division’s goal for being free of PFCs of Environmental Concern (PFCEC) over the lifecycle of its consumer products.

‍In addition to adidas and Salomon footwear, products featuring Gore’s new ePE membrane in Fall 2022 will include apparel from Patagonia and Arc’teryx and gloves from Dakine and Ziener. Products that feature Gore’s new ePE membrane will carry the Gore-Tex “Guaranteed To Keep You Dry” promise. A small hangtag/insert (made with eco-conscious materials), will explain the new innovation to consumers. Products for additional consumer end-uses (and from additional customers) will be introduced in upcoming seasons.