Gore-Tex faces lawsuit over alleged greenwashing claims
A proposed class action lawsuit has been filed against W.L. Gore & Associates, the maker of Gore-Tex, alleging that its marketing on environmental sustainability may be misleading. The lawsuit, filed on February 11, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington, claims that while the company promotes its products as “Committed to Sustainability” and “Environmentally Sound,” many of its items continue to be manufactured using PFAS—chemicals that have raised environmental and health concerns.
The 138-page complaint, brought forward by attorneys from Hagens Berman, suggests that the company’s promotional materials and product labels may not fully disclose the continued use of PFAS in its manufacturing processes. According to the lawsuit, consumers who purchased Gore-Tex products between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2024, might have been led to believe that they were buying environmentally friendly gear, when in fact, these products may still contain PFAS that can persist in the environment.
In response to these concerns, a spokesperson for W.L. Gore & Associates stated that the company remains committed to environmental responsibility and that it continues to improve its product lines, including developing alternatives that reduce or eliminate the use of PFAS.
The lawsuit seeks both corrective measures to ensure that marketing claims accurately reflect product content and monetary compensation for consumers who may have been affected by these discrepancies. PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals” because of their persistence in nature, have been the subject of regulatory and scientific scrutiny due to potential adverse effects on health and the environment.
As this legal matter progresses, industry observers note that the case highlights the ongoing challenge for companies to align sustainability messaging with manufacturing practices in an increasingly eco-conscious market. Consumers and regulators alike continue to call for greater transparency and accountability in environmental claims.
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