Interview with Patagonia - Beyond The Chemistry

Patagonia has always sought to demonstrate new standards of environmental responsibility. Today, in partnership with the GORE-TEX Brand and using its new product technology, Patagonia takes an important step in its journey towards becoming PFC Free in its outdoor clothing by winter 2024.

Perfluorochemicals, often referred to as PFCs or ‘forever chemicals’, have long been used in producing outdoor gear due to their water-resistant properties. But this performance comes with a catch, as PFCs have been linked to significant environmental and health implications.

Known for their extreme durability, PFCs persist in the environment without breaking down - causing harm to ecosystems and wildlife. These chemicals can also accumulate in the body over time, posing long-term health risks.

As part of their commitment towards becoming PFC-free, Patagonia collaborated with the GORE-TEX brand on long-term development and testing of their new PFC-free fabric- using the new GORE-TEX ePE membrane.

We caught up with Patagonia to learn more about how they did it.

A Bold Move Away from Forever Chemicals

It all began with a simple request to Patagonia’s partners at the GORE-TEX brand to move away from PFCs. Whilst Patagonia had already embarked on their journey to eliminate fluorocarbons from their supply chain, they knew that by partnering with an ally like the GORE-TEX brand, a solution could be found that scaled beyond their own four walls.

Beyond the Chemistry

The partnership’s initial goal was to eliminate perfluorinated chemistry from both the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment and the membrane. They achieved that, and then some.

In combination with carefully selected textiles, the GORE-TEX face fabric evolved, offering a softer, buttery feel - and with it came a significant reduction in water and material waste. The icing on the cake was the third-party verification by bluesign® - an independent certification that labels whether textiles are safe for the environment, workers, and customers - confirming the reduced environmental impact of the new membrane. And in conjunction with face and backer textiles, also a reduced carbon footprint for the new GORE-TEX fabric as a whole.

“Our performance depends on a healthy climate, a clean and thriving environment, fair labour conditions and safe working conditions,” asserts Catriona from The GORE-TEX Brand.

Where Science Meets the Mountain

The GORE-TEX brand’s laboratory is a hub of scientific innovation, where simulations and lab tests reach the highest standards. However, we know that real-life performance is what truly matters.

Field testing became the bridge between the lab and the mountains. An extensive testing phase ensured that the new materials could withstand the harshest conditions, from the rugged terrains of Scotland to the pressures faced in alpine environments.

"A cycling jacket needs to perform in a different way to one for hiking, so the right materials are chosen for each laminate construction in order for it to work in the most optimal way possible. It is never one fabric fits all.” - Catriona, The GORE-TEX Brand

The Future of GORE-TEX fabrics with ePE Membrane

GORE-TEX fabrics with ePE membrane is just the beginning. It's not a standalone solution but part of an important shift for the entire outdoor industry into non-fluorinated chemistry. Patagonia is committed to eradicating PFCs from their entire outdoor clothing collection by winter 2024.

That means the collaboration between Patagonia and the GORE-TEX brand is far from over; it's a journey into the future of responsible outdoor wear.

From our perspective, we're excited about the positive impact the GORE-TEX brand's latest product technology will have on both the products we stock and the environments we play in.

The most exciting part is that the outdoor industry is just getting started, with more brands utilising new GORE-TEX products with ePE membrane in their product ranges from now, into the future.