Environmental responsibility is a priority at Gore

Gore Fabrics is committed to continuously improving the environmental impact of its products and was one of the first companies in its industry to use Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which is a globally standardised tool (DIN EN ISO 14040) to measure the environmental footprint of a finished product. LCA assess the entire process from raw material extraction, through processing, manufacture, distribution, use, repair, maintenance and disposal or recycling. It is an approach based on sound science and durability of products.

Gore’s philosophy is based on the foundation of being fair and responsible to the environment while offering products which provide best in class protection

All Gore Fabrics facilities around the world have been bluesign^® accredited partners since 2010. Bluesign^® is a highly demanding and comprehensive environmental safety scheme for the textile industry. The standard verifies the company’s commitment to sustainable management. The manufacturing facilities also operate an integrated management system according to ISO 9001 (quality) and based on principles of ISO 14001 (environment) and OSHAS 18001 (occupational safety).

Gore works continuously with partners to promote and implement the bluesign^® system throughout the entire supply chain so that only chemicals that are known to be safe with a traceable origin are used in manufacturing.

The Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX^® is a worldwide independent testing and certification system for raw, semi-finished and finished textile products at all levels. Gore Fabrics has been working with OEKO-TEX^® since 1996 and adopted OEKO-TEX^® Standard 100 as a product safety standard. This requires all materials used in manufacturing to be approved and functional laminates undergo tests for harmful substances to ensure that finished fabrics are safe to be worn.

OEKO-TEX^® Standard 100 is a robust and diligent process with test criteria and limit values that go beyond many applicable national and international standards. These extensive test are backed up by regular on-site inspections to ensure that standards are being maintained and applied consistently.

A continued dedication to innovative new approaches means that brominated flame retardants have been eliminated from Gore Moisture Barriers. Which is why they are the only flame retardant barrier technology for firefighting garments certified to OEKO-TEX^® Standard 100.

Gore’s philosophy is based on the foundation of being fair and responsible to the environment while offering products which provide best in class protection. The organisation is committed to being transparent about its environmental responsibilities and publishes annual updates on its website about achievements and progress.

As long ago as 1986 Gore recognised the potential environmental damage from solvents and developed its own proprietary solvent free adhesives for use in garment and footwear laminates, creating a safer, more environmentally friendly manufacturing process.

Since the formation of an internal Global Recycling Team in 1998 Gore has tripled its recycling volumes for global operations nearing 2,000 tons a year. In some locations, over 30 different material streams are separately collected to ensure high level recycling.

Despite significant progress in reducing the environmental impact of its products and processes there is no sense of complacency at Gore. In every area of operations, staff continue to work to reduce the environmental footprint.

Around the world, firefighters are protected by a range of Gore products, including GORE-TEX Moisture Barrier with GORE^® CROSSTECH^® Product Technology and lightweight GORE-TEX PYRAD^® Product Technology, as well as the revolutionary GORE-TEX Moisture Barrier with GORE^®® CROSSTECH^® Product Technology GORE^® PARALLON^® System.