ELKTON, MD (November 8, 2018) – W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) unveiled their new GORE-TEX 3-Layer laminate at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in Denver, Colorado. This innovative product continues the journey of developing fit-for-use performance fabrics offerings that improve the environmental footprint of outdoor apparel while meeting expectations regarding durable comfort and protection. These versatile, durably waterproof, windproof and breathable outdoor jackets made with new GORE-TEX 3-Layer laminates feature a new recycled and solution-dyed polyester backer, and a durable water-repellent treatment (DWR) of the face fabric that is free of PFCs of Environmental Concern (PFC_EC Free DWR). The launch of the new GORE-TEX 3L products with a PFC_EC Free DWR is another important step towards achieving the goal of eliminating PFCs of Environmental Concern from the entire life cycle of its consumer fabrics portfolio as announced in February 2017 (www.gore-tex.com/pfcgoal). The new 3-Layer garments engineered with GORE-TEX product technology provide everyday versatility by delivering the right level of durable protection and comfort for a wide range of urban and general outdoor activities. These range from camping, hiking and adventure travelling to golfing, skiing, and other sporting activities. The new 3-Layer jackets are waterproof and come with the GORE-TEX GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY^TM promise. “Our latest innovation is extremely versatile for everyday use and offers a lot of benefits,” said Ryder Pingry, Product Specialist at Gore Fabrics. “Certainly, it is durably waterproof, windproof and very breathable with a comfortable touch and feel. The new 3-Layer versatile hard shells provide an optimal combination of performance and improved environmental footprint.” The new PFC_EC Free DWR has been thoroughly tested by Gore with excellent results and has been in the market with GORE-TEX 2-Layer products since AW18. The selected PFC_EC Free DWR is approved by bluesign^® systems and meets the criteria set forth in the OEKO-TEX^® Standard 100. To evaluate and compare DWR chemistries, Gore utilizes proprietary test methods. These tests are conducted in Gore’s labs and rain room that simulate consumer usage. In addition to Gore´s lab tests, extensive field trials in Scotland and the USA with general outdoor user (hiking, outdoor walking, casual outdoor, outdoor working, and urban commuting) have demonstrated that more than 90% of the test users are satisfied with the performance of the new PFC_EC free DWR featured in 3-Layer GORE-TEX garments. “From a sustainability perspective, the new GORE-TEX 3-Layer is a key product: It comes with a PFC_EC Free DWR plus a backer made from recycled and solution dyed materials,” explained Bernhard Kiehl, Gore Fabrics Sustainability Leader. “This product innovation demonstrates our intent to offer fit-for-use products while continuously improving their environmental footprint through application of state-of-the-art technologies and utilization of safe and durable materials.” Gore worked for more than a year with their supply chain to develop a completely new recycled and solution dyed yarn, the lowest denier they have ever produced. About 4000 recycled plastic bottles are used to make 1000 meters of the new backer textile. Solution dyeing is a yarn-dyeing technology with a simple, but smart difference to conventional dyeing techniques. During the solution-dyeing process, dyestuffs are mixed with the nylon or polyester pellets prior to spinning into yarn. The resulting yarn is permanently, deeply colored and ready to be woven into fabrics. The process saves about 96% of Global Warming Potential and 88% of Water Scarcity compared to conventional jet dying (according to the Higg Material Sustainability Index). Gore revolutionized the outerwear industry with waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX fabric 40 years ago and remains a leading innovator of performance apparel. Gore fabrics products provide comfort and protection in challenging environments and in everyday life, enabling wearers to safely and confidently achieve and experience more. From hiking in downpours to military operations and fighting fires, Gore’s deep understanding of consumer and industry needs drives development of products with meaningful performance advantages. www.gore-tex.com  

About Gore  W. L. Gore & Associates is a global materials science company dedicated to transforming industries and improving lives. Founded in 1958, Gore has built a reputation for solving complex technical challenges in the most demanding environments — from revolutionizing the outerwear industry with GORE-TEX fabric to creating medical devices that improve and save lives to enabling new levels of performance in the aerospace, pharmaceutical and mobile electronics markets, among other industries. The company is also known for its strong, team-oriented culture and global recognition from the Great Place to Work® Institute. Headquartered in Newark, Del., Gore employs 9,500 Associates and generates annual revenues of $3.5 billion. www.gore.com

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MEDIA CONTACT Dave Simpson Verde Brand Communications dave@verdepr.com (307) 734-0505