Gore-tex
50 Years of Performance, Looking Toward the Future
The Gore-Tex brand is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Since the first material was introduced to the market in 1976, the technology has evolved into one of the world's leading platforms for performance textiles.
To mark this anniversary, however, W. L. Gore & Associates is focusing not only on its own history of innovation, but above all on the continued development of high-performance and responsible material solutions.
Bob Gore laid the foundation in 1969 with the development of a lightweight, microporous material. This led to a technology that is used today in clothing, footwear, and gloves, offering reliable protection in a wide variety of weather and operational conditions—from outdoor activities to occupational safety and defense.
Under the anniversary theme “Going Further, Together,” Gore emphasizes its commitment to jointly advancing performance, durability, and sustainability. The focus is on durable products that conserve resources without compromising on function or comfort. At the same time, the company is working with more than 45 stakeholders, as well as the Sports and Outdoor Research Center at Mid Sweden University, to develop a global standard for the durability of outdoor apparel.
Gore is also driving technological innovation. Among the latest innovations are the ePE membrane and Pyrad® materials from Gore-Tex Labs, which offer the well-known waterproof, windproof, breathable, and durable protection. At the same time, the company is investing in more sustainable production processes, including the use of 100 percent electricity from renewable energy sources at its production sites and the increased use of recycled and responsibly sourced materials.
To mark the anniversary, Gore is releasing a multimedia retrospective under the theme “50 Years Going Further, Together,” featuring a historical timeline, archival photos, and videos that document the brand’s evolution while also looking toward the future of performance textiles.
