W. L. Gore & Associates will unveil its new Gore-Tex 3-Layer laminate at ISPO 2019 in Munich, from 3-6 February 2019. The launch of this innovative product is the next step in Gore’s journey to develop fit-for-use performance fabric 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 (PFCEC Free DWR). The company is committed to achieving its goal of eliminating PFCs of Environmental Concern from the entire life cycle of its consumer fabrics portfolio, as announced in February 2017.

The new 3-Layer garments engineered with Gore-Tex product technology are designed to 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 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 PFCEC Free DWR has been tested by Gore and has been on the market with Gore-Tex 2-Layer products since A/W18. The selected PFCEC 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 utilises proprietary test methods. These tests are conducted in Gore’s labs and rain room, which simulate consumer usage conditions. In addition to Gore´s lab tests, extensive field trials in Scotland and the USA with general outdoor users have demonstrated that more than 90% of the test users are satisfied with the performance of the new PFCEC 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 PFCEC 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 the application of state-of-the-art technologies and the use of safe and durable materials.”

Gore worked for more than a year with its supply chain to develop a completely new, recycled and solution-dyed yarn, resulting in the lowest denier it has ever produced. Approximately 4,000 recycled plastic bottles are used to make 1,000 meters of the new backer textile.

Solution dyeing is a yarn-dyeing technology. 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 coloured and ready to be woven into fabrics.

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