ISPO 2016, Christopher Eisenmann (Fabrics Division W.L. Gore & Associates) presents the GORE‑TEX® THERMIUM and ACTIVE Technologies.
The origin of waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX® outerwear, footwear, and gloves starts with five little letters: ePTFE. ePTFE, or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, was created by Bob Gore in 1969 when he rapidly stretched PTFE under certain conditions. The result was an incredibly strong, microporous material with an amazing list of characteristics including low water adsorption and good weathering properties.
By 1978, GORE-TEX® fabric was introduced and the world met the first truly waterproof, breathable outerwear. Thanks to our commitment to innovation and creativity, waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX® products have continued to improve and evolve to keep in step with the changing needs of our customers.