Key takeaways
- Gore-Tex ePE is a newer Gore membrane made from expanded polyethylene, not expanded PTFE.
- It's designed to be PFC-free (free of PFAS of environmental concern) for a smaller footprint.
- It delivers comparable waterproofness and breathability while being thin, light, and durable.
- It reflects the industry's broader shift to PFAS-free waterproof-breathable fabrics.
ePE = expanded polyethylene.
What Gore-Tex ePE is
Gore-Tex ePE is a newer waterproof-breathable membrane from Gore made of expanded polyethylene (ePE) rather than the traditional expanded PTFE. It was developed to eliminate the PFCs of environmental concern (PFAS) from the membrane while remaining thin, light, and durable.
Why it matters
Traditional waterproof fabrics have been associated with PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ that persist in the environment and raise health concerns. By switching to a PFC-free expanded-polyethylene membrane — and pairing it with PFC-free DWR — Gore-Tex ePE delivers similar protection with a reduced environmental footprint, part of the industry’s broader move to PFAS-free gear.
A shopper choosing a new rain shell picks one built with Gore-Tex ePE — getting the waterproof-breathable protection they expect from Gore-Tex, but with the reassurance that the membrane and finish are free of the PFAS chemistry being phased out across the industry.
How it performs
Gore designed ePE to provide comparable waterproofness and breathability to its established membranes, thin and durable. For most users the performance is on par, with the bonus of being PFC-free — and as with any shell, maintaining the DWR keeps it breathing well over time.
The bottom line
Gore-Tex ePE is Gore's PFC-free future: a waterproof-breathable membrane made from expanded polyethylene that ditches the PFAS 'forever chemicals' of concern while keeping comparable performance — thin, light, and durable. It's a key part of the industry's shift to PFAS-free gear, letting you get Gore-Tex weather protection with a smaller environmental footprint.
Frequently asked questions
What is Gore-Tex ePE?
Gore-Tex ePE is a newer waterproof-breathable membrane from Gore made of expanded polyethylene (ePE) instead of the traditional expanded PTFE. It was developed to remove PFCs of environmental concern (PFAS) from the membrane while keeping the waterproofness, breathability, durability, and light weight that Gore-Tex is known for.
Why does Gore-Tex ePE matter?
Because it addresses the environmental and health concerns around PFAS 'forever chemicals' that have been associated with traditional waterproof fabrics. By switching to a PFC-free expanded polyethylene membrane (and pairing it with PFC-free DWR), Gore-Tex ePE delivers similar performance with a reduced environmental footprint, part of a broader industry move toward PFAS-free gear.
Does Gore-Tex ePE perform as well as regular Gore-Tex?
Gore designed ePE to provide comparable waterproof protection and breathability to its established membranes, while being thin, light, and durable. For most users the performance is on par, with the added benefit of being PFC-free. As with any waterproof-breathable shell, keeping the DWR finish maintained preserves its breathability over time.
Sources
- Gore-Tex ePE membrane — Gore-Tex
- PFAS & chemistry — EPA