Today, W. L. Gore & Associates announced ambitious environmental and chemical management goals for 2020 as part of Gore Fabrics Division’s long-term sustainability program. These goals complement its existing chemicals management program which is based upon stringent and independent third-party standards like bluesign system and OEKO-TEX, said the camp.
Included in these goals is Gore Fabrics’ intent to eliminate PFCs of environmental concern from its consumer fabrics products. By the end of 2020, Gore Fabrics said it will eliminate PFCs of environmental concern from its consumer laminate shipments corresponding to approximately 85% of product units in the market. This includes jackets, shoes, gloves and accessories. Between 2021 and 2023 it will remove PFCs of environmental concern from the remaining consumer fabrics laminate shipments while continuing to deliver products which meet the performance specifications relevant for the end use.
To achieve these goals Gore said it will collaborate with suppliers to eliminate PFCs that are present in the processing aides Gore Fabrics’ suppliers use to manufacture PTFE.
In parallel, Gore Fabrics is working on development of fluorinated and non-fluorinated solutions. The first products with a DWR treatment free of PFCs are targeted for availability at retail in the Autumn/Winter 2018 season.
According to Gore, research shows that its membrane material PTFE made without the use of PFCs of environmental concern is considered environmentally sound. “This polymer is inert, insoluble in water and does not degrade to become a source of PFCs of environmental concern,” said the company.
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