After its invention in 1969, the waterproof material called GORE-TEX became a household name in outdoor gear. Now, the iconic company behind that invention is facing allegations about toxic chemicals in its apparel.
W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., the Delaware-based company that owns the GORE-TEX brand, is being sued in a class-action lawsuit over claims it misled consumers that all GORE-TEX products were free from PFAS, a group of controversial chemicals.
GORE-TEX released PFAS-free jackets and other waterproof gear in 2021. However, the brand failed to tell customers that other apparel still contained PFAS, according to the class-action suit.
“We seek to represent anyone who unknowingly purchased Gore-Tex gear believing Gore’s promises of ‘performance for the planet,’” wrote Steve Berman, managing partner at Hagens Berman, the firm representing the class-action suit. “We believe what Gore tells its customers is untrue.”
A spokesperson for W.L. Gore & Associates said the company was aware of the suit, and provided a brief statement: “Gore stands behind its representations, statements and advertisements regarding our commitment to environmental responsibility as well as the performance and safety of our GORE-TEX products.”
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