Environmental Goals for 2020 | GORE-TEX (long version)

Summary

Christian Long, a member of Gore Fabrics' divisional leadership team, announces an ambitious goal to address public concerns about PFCs in the outdoor industry. Gore Fabrics has initiated significant R&D projects to eliminate environmentally concerning PFCs from their consumer fabrics by 2023. This aligns with their long-term sustainability journey and commitment to responsible business practices. The company aims to maintain the high performance of their products while reducing their environmental impact, engaging with stakeholders like Greenpeace to define PFCs and promote sustainable innovations.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Gore Fabrics has set an ambitious goal to address public concerns about PFCs (Perfluorinated Compounds) used in the outdoor industry.
• 🔬 The company has initiated significant R&D projects to eliminate environmentally concerning PFCs from their consumer fabrics products.
• 🏔️ Gore Fabrics aims to make a significant improvement in the environmental footprint of their products while maintaining the performance features of the Gore-Tex brand.
• 📅 By 2020, the company expects to convert the majority of consumer laminates to their new technology platform, and by 2023, all consumer laminates will be PFC-free.
• 🌱 The PFC elimination goal is part of a broader set of environmental goals that align with Gore Fabrics' long-term sustainability journey.
• 🤝 Gore Fabrics has been actively engaging with external stakeholders, including a meaningful dialogue with Greenpeace, to define PFCs of environmental concern.
• 🔍 A mutually agreed upon, scientifically sound definition of PFCs has been established to overcome ambiguity and provide clear guidelines for the industry.
• 💡 Gore Fabrics asserts that their membrane material, PTFE, is safe and environmentally sound, and is a preferred choice for consumers.
• 🏆 The company's commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices is a reflection of their philosophy and integral to their product leadership.
• 🚀 Gore Fabrics is confident that their customers and stakeholders will join them on this sustainability journey towards a more environmentally friendly future.

Q & A

What is the ambitious goal Gore Fabrics has set for itself?

Gore Fabrics has set an ambitious goal to comprehensively address the public concern around PFCs (Perfluorinated Compounds) by eliminating them from their consumer fabrics products.

What has Gore Fabrics initiated to achieve this goal?

Gore Fabrics has initiated several significant research and development projects aimed at eliminating PFCs of environmental concern from their consumer fabrics products.

How does Gore Fabrics plan to improve the environmental footprint of its products?

Gore Fabrics plans to improve the environmental footprint of its products by introducing new technologies that maintain the performance features of the Gore-Tex brand while eliminating PFCs.

What is the expected timeline for converting consumer laminates to Gore Fabrics' new technology platform?

Gore Fabrics expects to convert the majority of consumer laminates to their new technology platform by 2020, with a goal to have all consumer laminates manufactured without PFCs by 2023.

How does Gore Fabrics' PFC elimination goal fit into its broader environmental goals?

Gore Fabrics' PFC elimination goal is embedded within a broader set of environmental goals that are part of their long-term sustainability journey.

What is the significance of Gore Fabrics' dialogue with Greenpeace?

The dialogue with Greenpeace resulted in a mutually agreed upon, scientifically sound definition of what constitutes a PFC of environmental concern, which helps to overcome ambiguity in defining PFCs and sets guardrails for the outdoor industry.

Why does Gore Fabrics consider PTFE to be a safe and environmentally sound choice?

Gore Fabrics considers PTFE to be safe and environmentally sound because it is free of PFCs of environmental concern, and its unique performance and durability make it a preferred choice, especially for high-demand uses.

How does the durability of PTFE contribute to its environmental benefits?

The longer a PTFE product is worn, the better it is for the environment due to its outstanding durability, which reduces the need for replacement and thus the environmental impact.

What is the role of product leadership in Gore Fabrics' sustainability journey?

Product leadership plays a crucial role in Gore Fabrics' sustainability journey by driving innovation in performance apparel and ensuring that their products meet high standards of performance and sustainability.

How does Gore Fabrics view its commitment to managing its business responsibly?

Gore Fabrics views its commitment to managing its business responsibly as an integral part of its philosophy, reflecting positively on its dedication to sustainability and responsible business practices.