Seattle-Based Firm Files Class Action Lawsuit Against GORE-TEX for Greenwashing
A Seattle-based law firm, Hagens Berman, has taken legal action against W. L. Gore & Associates, the parent company and manufacturer of GORE-TEX. The lawsuit accuses the company of greenwashing, a deceptive tactic used by companies to mislead customers about their sustainability practices. In this case, W. L. Gore & Associates is being accused of using harmful substances, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS), in their products.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PFAS are slow to break down and have been linked to serious health issues such as cancer and infertility. Despite this, GORE-TEX, known for its high-quality waterproof technical fabric, has been using PFAS in their materials for a long time. However, due to state bans on PFAS, the company has recently started offering a PFAS-free alternative called expanded polyethylene (ePE) membrane.
On their current website, GORE-TEX claims that their next generation membrane is PFAS-free and has a reduced carbon footprint compared to their previous products. However, a footnote on the statement reveals that the product may still contain trace amounts of PFAS.
The lawsuit alleges that despite the company’s move towards PFAS-free manufacturing, all products that are not classified as “next generation” are still being made with PFAS materials. The complaint states, “Gore knowingly concealed, omitted, or suppressed the true nature and risks of PFAS in their products.”
This is not the first time W. L. Gore & Associates has faced legal action regarding PFAS. In December 2024, a class action lawsuit was filed against the company for allegedly polluting the environment surrounding their facility in Elkton, Maryland with PFAS.
In response to the recent lawsuit, a spokesperson for GORE-TEX told Gear Junkie, “Gore stands behind our commitment to environmental responsibility and the safety and performance of our products.” Stay tuned for updates on the case.
