New GORE-TEX ePE
Gore’s new PFC free and more sustainable membrane is now rolling out across our outerwear brands, so what is it and how does it compare with existing GORE-TEX and GORE-TEX PRO (PTFE membranes).
The new GORE-TEX ePE is made from expanded Polyethylene instead of the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) used in all other GORE-TEX products. PTFEs are now understood to pose a range of environmental concerns and with the EU planning a ban on their use in the next couple of years Gore have rightly decided to move away from their use.
Expanded Polyethylene (ePE) is free of the harmful PFCs sometimes known as ‘forever chemicals’ and is produced with a lower carbon footprint as measured by Higg MSI. The Higg MSI is a measurement of the sustainability of a material and is one of the closest things we have to an independent assessment.
The ePE membrane is bonded to a recycled nylon or poly outer (depending on the intended durability) and a lighter weight also recycled liner to protect the membrane from sweat. The outer is then treated with a new totally fluorocarbon free water repellent treatment (more on this later as there is a big change in performance here compared with older DWR treatments).
So how does it perform?
The new ePE membrane is a thinner than standard GORE-TEX and GORE-TEX PRO, which results in a softer and more supple feel. It doesn’t have the same stiff ‘cardboardy’ feel as older Gore membranes, (unless you are Mountain Equipment and you stick a mega burly 75 denier outer on it because you are Mountain Equipment and if you are going to make a jacket, you are going to make it properly).
As a very new membrane we have not got much feedback on longer term performance but initial reports and testing indicate that ePE is just as waterproof as standard Gore and still very breathable. The biggest difference so far and the one that you will probably notice first is the DWR treatment. Unfortunately flurocarbons are some of the best, most hydrophobic chemicals out there. Getting rid of them does hit performance so you will notice that the nice ‘beading’ effect disappears quite quickly. Don’t worry your GORE-TEX ePE jacket is still waterproof, but to maintain the beading effect you will need to top up the DWR more regularly, with wash ins or spray ons from the likes of NikWax or Storm after care.
Where can I find GORE ePE garments?
When browsing our waterproofs look for GORE-TEX ePE in the product specs. This Winter we have a couple of jackets from Mountain Equipment and Patagonia. The Mountain Equipment Makalu is a durable well featured all rounder that is the perfect year round shell for hikers and backpackers. The Patagonia Super Free Alpine is more of a climber’s shell with some interesting features and a lovely supple feel that’s unlike any other Gore shell.