Is it possible to recycle GORE-TEX® garments?
Yes, Gore has developed a technology for high value recycling of its laminates. Together with some committed customers, in 1993 Gore was the first in the apparel industry to offer high level post consumer recycling for outerwear. This recycling program for specially designed garments, named GORE™ BALANCE PROJECT™, received the 1995 European Outdoor Award for Innovation. We quickly learned however that consumers were not as willing to return these garments for recycling even after years of use, thus the program was put on hold. We have since learned that when considering the entire lifecycle of our apparel and footwear, enhancing their useful life has a much more significant positive impact on their overall environmental footprint than does recycling of the final product.
