abrasion testing machine in a Gore lab

    FOCUSED ON PROLONGING PRODUCT LIFE

    We work to continually improve the durability and extend the longevity of our products in order to reduce their environmental footprint.

    DURABILITY AND LONGEVITY: TWO KEY ATTRIBUTES OF GORE-TEX PRODUCTS

    By keeping our products in use for longer, we can reduce their overall lifecycle impact. Therefore, as part of our sustainability strategy, we aim to further improve the outstanding protective performance features of GORE-TEX products and help people to expand their useful lifetime.

    Durability and longevity are two key words that immediately come to mind when thinking about GORE-TEX products. And they stand for a simple truth: The longer in use, the better for the environment. This is true for all GORE-TEX products, ranging from GORE-TEX PRO, our new pinnacle product, to our high-visibility GORE-TEX fabrics that are uniquely engineered to maintain their reflective properties for the life of the gear.

    USING A LIFE CYCLE APPROACH TO MEASURE OUR IMPACT

    We are committed to continuously improving the environmental impact of our products. To ensure this happens, we have been using Life Cycle Assessment for almost 30 years.

    OUR FOCUS ON PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE

    Gore Fabrics takes a life cycle assessment approach to measure and understand the environmental impacts of all aspects of our products—from the production of raw materials by suppliers to manufacturing and transportation until its end-of-life. We even consider the impact of the washing and drying over the lifetime of the garment. With these findings, we can focus our sustainability efforts where it matters most.

    THE IMPORTANCE OF LONGEVITY

    The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a GORE-TEX jacket shows the greatest environmental impact occurs during production and distribution of the jacket (which make up about 64% of carbon emissions). The washing, drying, and disposal phases of a jacket’s life have a smaller impact on the environment. Thanks to this study, we know that extending the longevity, or useful life, of a product is the single most influential factor to improve its environmental impact.

    WHAT IS LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT?

    Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a global standardized tool (ISO 14040-14044) to measure the environmental footprint of a finished product. LCA assesses the whole process with a “cradle to grave” approach— from the extraction of raw materials through materials processing, manufacture, distribution, use, repair and maintenance to disposal or recycling.

    WHAT IS LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT?

    a close-up shot of GORE-TEX running shoes

    MAXIMIZING APPAREL DURABILITY & USE

    We work hard to enhance the durability and lifetime usage of our products through our field-proven durable apparel and wash and care program.

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