Putzbrunn, June 1, 2026 – Wet conditions are a daily reality for firefighters. Their boots get heavier when wet and reduce insulation against the cold. This significantly reduces comfort and increases physical strain, especially during long and physically demanding operations. Tests conducted in GORE-TEX® laboratories have shown that water absorption in boots in wet conditions can lead to a noticeable increase in weight, depending on the upper material and boot design.  

HAIX, a manufacturer of functional footwear and apparel, is introducing its new Fire Eagle 3.0 EXG with EXTRAGUARD upper material at INTERSCHUTZ 2026. The upper technology developed by the GORE-TEX® brand significantly reduces water absorption in the boots, thereby speeding up the drying process after use. This enables a lighter overall construction with fewer additional reinforcements, improving mobility and comfort when in use, especially during extended wear in wet conditions. 

“The EXTRAGUARD upper technology was developed to permanently reduce water absorption, so firefighter boots remain lightweight even in extremely wet conditions,” explains Johannes Krieg, Footwear Product Specialist at the GORE-TEX® brand.  

Minimal weight gain in wet conditions 

EXTRAGUARD upper technology combines a durable, flame-retardant outer layer, an insulating functional layer, and a structural inner layer that absorbs hardly any water. The multi-layer system minimizes the boot’s weight gain in wet conditions.  

The robust upper material ensures easy maintenance and cleaning, requiring only simple rinsing or wiping. No extra care with shoe polish is necessary. 

Together with the proven GORE-TEX® CROSSTECH® lining technology, the boot provides lasting protection against water penetration, chemicals, and bloodborne pathogens while remaining breathable. 

Further development of the HAIX Fire Eagle platform 

Firefighter athletes also value EXTRAGUARD technology—especially during long and physically intense activities: “In disciplines like obstacle courses or stair climbing, every ounce of extra weight counts,” says Robin Altbürger, reigning German champion of the FireFit Championships and tester of the Fire Eagle 3.0 EXG. “Even in wet conditions, the boot remains lightweight, making it noticeably more agile and comfortable to wear. A consistently high level of speed and agility can then be maintained, especially for quick changes of direction, navigating steps, or during prolonged physical exertion.” 

HAIX’s Fire Eagle 3.0 EXG draws on the experience gained from the Fire Eagle 2.0 EXG predecessor model. In addition to the version with EXTRAGUARD upper material, it is also available with classic leather upper material and GORE-TEX® CROSSTECH® lining. 

The HAIX Fire Eagle 3.0 EXG will be presented at the GORE-TEX® (W. L. Gore & Associates) booth D32 in Hall 15, as well as at the HAIX booth H47 in Hall 15, and in the outdoor area at booth R84.  

Putzbrunn, (May 21, 2026) – Firefighters typically wear the same protective clothing for all operational responses, whether they are carrying out technical rescue or structural firefighting assignments. Their protection is designed to meet the most extreme conditions such as a flashover in a structural fire.

But firefighters do not tackle structural fires on a daily basis. Most operational responses are for rescue operations, accidents or small fires. This means that they are often responding to incidents ‘over protected’ by gear that was designed for more extreme conditions, potentially raising the risk of heat stress.

Added to this, their needs not only differ, they can even be conflicting, compromising their operational effectiveness in one scenario for effective protection in another. Freedom of movement and high visibility are essential for technical rescue professionals. Wildland fire operations call for garments that are lightweight and heat-resistant. Firefighters tackling a building fire need maximum insulation and protection against exposure to heat and flame.

“The challenge is to reconcile conflicting needs to remove the compromise in operational effectiveness and mitigate the risks of overprotection. Freedom of movement, weather protection and thermal protection cannot be optimized in one garment. A garment that fulfils the requirements of all operational scenarios will always involve trade-offs,” says Christophe Didelot, the firefighting and technical rescue product specialist at GORE-TEX® Brand.

Two garment layers instead of a one-fits-all configuration

GORE-TEX® Brand is presenting an innovative new design concept for fire garments at INTERSCHUTZ 2026 that solves this paradox. Instead of combining multiple requirements in one garment, the concept presents two adaptable garment layers based on existing product technologies.

Each can be worn alone or in combination, depending on the mission:

• Layer 1 for technical rescue operations and other frequent call-outs is based on the GORE-TEX® CROSSTECH® PYRAD® Stretch Product Technology. It is lightweight and designed for freedom of movement and comfort.
• Layer 2 uses GORE-TEX® CROSSTECH® Product Technology and is a stand-alone solution for wildland fire call-outs and outside operations. It fulfils the performance requirements of EN 469 level 1 and EN ISO 15384.
• The two layers can be worn in combination so that together they provide EN 469 level 2 protection for structural firefighting.

Instead of incorporating the required protective features into one and the same garment, they are now integrated into two adaptable clothing layers. This means that the lighter Layer 1 is worn alone for technical rescue operations and Layer 2 for wildland fire call-outs. For structural firefighting operations the two layers are worn together.

So, two garment layers now meet the needs of three operational scenarios. This also reduces the number of garments required, simplifying procurement and maintenance and saving time, effort and expense.

The decisive factor is not maximum performance at all times, but the appropriate garment for the specific purpose.

A proven principle from other sectors

GORE-TEX® Brand has been developing modular clothing systems and the underlying product technologies for multiple professional scenarios for many years. These solutions are focused around a layering principle which interprets clothing as a system of fine-tuned, carefully coordinated layers rather than a standard uniform.

Examples of these are the Nordic Combat Uniform (NCU) of the Nordic Defence Cooperation and the Flexible Layering Systems of the German police. These concepts are based on a clearly defined layering construction. The individual garment layers are carefully chosen depending on the climate, physical demands and intervention type. Each individual layer may not meet all the requirements, and not all components will be worn together.

These layering systems are developed and tested by Gore in realistic situations. Durability testing and wet laboratories, a rain tower, as well as climate and environmental chambers are used for this purpose. These are complemented by field tests conducted by end-users.

The underlying motive is to analyze how heat, moisture, physical demands and protection influence each other during operations. The result is a garment system whose performance is achieved at the system level – through the coordinated interaction of the individual layers and not through isolated individual components.

Putzbrunn, (4th March 2026) – The heat shimmers, sweat burns in the eyes, every move must be right: In such moments, climate comfort determines how long concentration and performance are maintained. What was previously often fraught with compromises – flame retardancy on the one hand, lightness, and breathability on the other – is combined in the new PYRAD® product technology by GORE-TEX LABS®, thus complementing the GORE-TEX® brand's product portfolio of flame-retardant, membrane-free laminates for military combat suits.

Many conventional flame-retardant textiles usually come with a dilemma: Although they provide reliable protection against heat and flames, they are often heavy, stiff, and hardly breathable. For soldiers, this means an additional burden in the field - and in extreme cases heat stress, limited freedom of movement and faster fatigue. The new generation of laminates with PYRAD® product technology by GORE-TEX LABS® solves this issue: It offers protection in the event of sudden flames and ensures a more comfortable and cooler feel with its extremely low weight, high air permeability and stretch content - even when using heavy equipment.

Paving the way for combat suits that can be used worldwide

"With the new technology, the GORE-TEX® brand is expanding its product portfolio of flame-retardant, membrane-free laminates for ground troops, air force and navy combat suits – and now covers all climate zones and mission profiles," explains Andreas Marmsoler, Strategic Marketing for the Defence sector at the GORE-TEX® brand: "In addition to the robust generation for temperate to cool climates, a much lighter, more elastic solution is now available. They impress with excellent moisture regulation, quick re-drying, and high wearing comfort in warm to hot climates, especially during high-intensity use.

Depending on the application scenario, the new generation can be combined with other, more robust laminates in a combat suit. For example, lightweight materials can be used in less stressed areas such as the chest or legs, and more resistant laminates in high-wear zones such as shoulders, elbows, or knees.

High-performance material for practice

The compact structure of the material is made possible by the PYRAD® product technology, which is based on a physical effect: it consists of countless small reactive graphite particles that are evenly incorporated into the fabric. When in contact with flames or a flash flame, they form a stable, self-extinguishing carbonisation layer that reliably protects the wearer.

Maximum safety with a high level of comfort – proven in the field

Practical field tests with special forces and naval personnel in the Middle East, the Mediterranean and the Pacific prove the performance of the new technology: The combat suits durably withstood the wear and tear from plate carriers, thorns, brambles, and abrasive surfaces without losing function or producing disturbing noises when moving. Especially in hot climates, the comfort advantage over conventional materials was clearly evident at medium to high activity – with many users referring to lower fatigue and thus higher operational readiness.

The new generation of PYRAD® Product Technology by GORE-TEX LABS®
Reliable protection against electric arc incidents has never been so lightweight. Weighing just 320 g/m², the PYRAD® Product Technology by GORE-TEX LABS® is the most lightweight single-layer technology to incorporate class 2 arc-rated protection. The innovation: it combines three layers of material in one laminate layer – the face fabric made of 100 % recycled polyester, the membrane incorporating protective PYRAD® Product Technology on both sides, and the skin-friendly backer. This construction uses less material and gives the fabric a perceptibly softer feel. Over 100 professionals from a major Italian utility company tested the garments in the summer of 2024 under real working conditions. The outcome: outstanding freedom of movement, conductive heat loss and breathability. Licensed Gore brand partners Van Heurck, Iturri and BSD are also convinced and will be presenting their new protective outfits at this year’s show.

EXTRAGUARD Upper Technology
This technology raises the comfort of safety footwear to a new level. It is the first of its kind to combine the benefits of a robust upper with the advantages of lightweight textiles in one and the same material. EXTRAGUARD safety footwear is robust, waterproof, quick to re-dry and remains lightweight over long periods in wet conditions – even after months of use or continual wear in demanding working conditions. The technology is available as of now for a wide spectrum of work scenarios including the utility, railway, construction and demolition sectors. A large-scale wearer trial at Deutsche Bahn (German railways) established its excellent fitness for use in everyday situations. The fact that the technology has been so well received by leading manufacturers is an indication of the demand in the market for durable and comfortable safety footwear. Atlas, Elten, Fal, HAIX, Heckel, Obuv, Robusta, Solid Gear, Steitz Secura and U-Power will be showcasing their latest EXTRAGUARD styles at this year’s A+A.

Visitors will find the GORE-TEX® Brand in hall 11, stand H 67.
For all media enquiries and interview requests, please contact Sally@rusecomm.co.uk

“Studies show that firefighters worldwide prefer lighter boots, which is exactly where our EXTRAGUARD upper technology comes in,” explains Johannes Krieg, product specialist at GORE-TEX Professional Fabrics. “In cooperation with HAIX we have developed a new generation of athletic fire boots that are taking comfort and safety on the job to the next level.”

Innovation on three layers

EXTRAGUARD upper technology is made of three functional layers: a highly abrasion-resistant and flame retardant outer protective layer, an insulating mid-layer offering protection against mechanical impact and an innovative low water absorption construction. The entire construction is seam-sealed with the tried and tested GORE-SEAM® Tape and combined with a GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® inner lining. The outcome: a boot that is durably waterproof, breathable and chemically resistant, protects against pathogens and is still very comfortable. FIRE EAGLE 2.0 EXG boots reliably protect wearers against heat and flame and comply with DIN EN15090:2012 as well as the requirements of F2A.

Wearer trial: Munich’s fire services are convinced

A wearer trial conducted in cooperation with Munich’s fire services showed the boots deliver what they promise. 22 firefighters tested the new fire boots for roughly 12 months during various fire service activities including technical rescue operations, fire incidents, severe weather events, and emergency responses. 73% of the participants said the boots were “lightweight”, while 9% even thought they were “very lightweight”. The test boots also made a good impression when it came to re-dry: 73% said it was “good”, while 27% said it was “very good”. 91% of the firefighters said they would also continue wearing the boots during regular duties.

Revolutionary technology for real emergencies

The EXTRAGUARD upper is 40% lighter than conventional materials and hardly absorbs any moisture from the outside. This ensures that the HAIX FIRE EAGLE 2.0 EXG offers lasting lightness when worn for hours in wet conditions, dries faster and is durably waterproof even in extended periods of heavy water exposure. External moisture can hardly penetrate beyond the low water absorption construction layer, ensuring reduced conduction heat loss and preventing the feet from being robbed of warmth. Feet stay dry and warm, even in wet and cold conditions.

The HAIX FIRE EAGLE 2.0 EXG needs no breaking in and fits right from the start. There is hardly any need for additional reinforcements in the boot construction. This improves weight, breathability and wearer comfort. Its robustness minimises signs of wear and it is easy to clean: simply rinse the boots under the tap or hose them down. Specific care products are not necessary.

A long product life translates into sustainability

The EXTRAGUARD upper is extremely robust, thus extending the product life of the HAIX FIRE EAGLE 2.0 EXG firefighting boot, while reducing its ecological footprint. Using few resources and minimising CO2 emissions, the material also sets new standards in terms of its production.

HAIX FIRE EAGLE 2.0 EXG fire boots are immediately available for purchase from the HAIX website and from specialty retailers in UK sizes 2 to 11.5 (EU 35 to 47), as well as in extra large sizes 12 to 15.5 (EU 48 to 51).

Animated videos of the Munich Fire Department (left) and marketing clip for the HAIX FIRE EAGLE 2.0 EXG boot with GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® EXTRAGUARD upper material technology:

The specialist for technical functional textiles will be presenting the laminates for this system at Enforce Tac 2024 in Nuremberg (February 26 - 28, 2024) at booth 7A 537.

The basic idea behind the system comes from the military: layers of clothing that can be flexibly and modularly adapted to the operating conditions. After all, no two days are the same in the police force: Police officers have to withstand heat, cold, wind, moisture, chemicals, and flames on duty. Every deployment has high demands on freedom of movement, especially when wearing additional protective equipment.

Three layers of clothing for tailored protection and comfort

The three layers of the flexible system can be worn individually or flexibly combined with each other. GORE-TEX Professional has developed customised laminates for each layer:

Layer 1: Daily Duty Uniform (DDU)

This lightweight base layer offers protection and comfort for everyday use. It is highly abrasion-resistant and therefore durable, breathable and quick-drying. The uniform is equipped with the innovative PYRAD® technology for flame protection.

Layer 2: Insulated Riot Suit

The second layer can be worn over the Daily Duty Uniform (DDU) in cold or wet weather. With the comfort and appearance of softshell clothing, it can be equipped with either GORE-TEX technology for moisture protection or WINDSTOPPER® technology by GORE-TEX Labs for absolute protection from the wind. PYRAD® technology is always included.

Layer 3: Hardshell Riot Suit

Like the Insulated Riot Suit, this additional layer offers durable protection against moisture as well as common chemicals, heat, and flames. The Hardshell Riot Suit can be combined with any of the other clothing layers. It is optionally available with lightweight PYRAD® technology or as a 3-layer laminate with aramid outer fabric.

PYRAD® technology for reliable protection against heat and flames

PYRAD® technology is based on a physical effect: countless small and reactive graphite particles are evenly and permanently incorporated into the fabric. If the particles are activated by sudden heat or flames, they suddenly expand by more than ten times their original size, forming a stable, gapless carbon layer. This greatly reduces the flow of heat through the fabric and stops the spread of flames. As a result, no holes form, there is no afterburning and no dripping.

GORE-TEX FR Stretch for maximum freedom of movement

Stand, run, defend yourself: A high degree of freedom of movement is essential in the field, especially when additional protective equipment such as impact protection has to be worn. To improve the mobility and fit of the clothing, the laminates can therefore be combined with the new, flame-retardant, and waterproof GORE-TEX FR Stretch laminates. This allows unprecedented freedom of movement and fewer restrictions - regardless of whether the body protection is worn under or over the clothing. Clothing worn close to the body also increases its breathability.

Tested, approved, and procured by most Swiss cantons

Following extensive tests, most Swiss cantons will be using the system's laminates in future: "The Flexible Layering System fits perfectly into our new overall range of flame-retardant clothing for the non-peaceful law enforcement service. In addition to the high level of functionality in terms of weather and flame protection, we are impressed by the light weight and high level of comfort," said Daniel Bernasconi, Project Manager for the cross-corps renewal of work uniforms (KEP).

Gore revolutionised the outerwear industry with waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX Fabric more than 40 years ago and remains a leading innovator of performance apparel. Gore fabrics products provide comfort and protection in challenging environments and in everyday life, enabling wearers to safely and confidently achieve and experience more. From hiking in downpours to defense operations and fighting fires, Gore’s deep understanding of consumer and industry needs drives development of products with meaningful performance advantages. gore-tex.com and goretexprofessional.com

The specialist for technical functional textiles presents these system solutions at Enforce Tac 2024 in Nuremberg (February 26 - 28, 2024) at booth 7A 537.

Military clothing should always be considered as a system in which the layers are modular and compatible. This is the best way to equip soldiers for a wide range of conditions and situations, from arctic to the desert, from training and maneuvers to combat. Armies procure a toolbox of clothing and footwear that can be expanded and updated over time, where new technologies can be added to an existing clothing system over time - just like updating software.

Nordic Combat Uniform (NCU system) - from the Arctic to the desert and jungle

A prime example is the Scandinavian multinational combat clothing system, the Nordic Combat Uniform (NCU system). It was developed by the NCU group, including GORE-TEX Professional fabrics, for the Nordic Defense Cooperation (Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden). The system consists of several layers - from underwear to an insulated jacket - that work together to create a garment that is more than the sum of its parts. The NCU system is designed so that there are some core garments that are always worn, and then the user selects reinforcing garments either under or on top of the basic configuration, depending on the climatic conditions and mission profile.

GORE-TEX Technologies for the Highest Levels of Protection

Gore’s laminates for military clothing systems can be flexibly equipped with proven GORE-TEX technologies to ensure highest fit-for-use – be it mid-layer, outer layer or high insulation layer: 

GORE-TEX membrane for durably waterproof, windproof, and breathable protection, WINDSTOPPER® fabric technology by GORE-TEX LABS for total windproofness, and insulation protection, PYRAD® technology for heat, flame and flash-fire protection and GORE-TEX Stretch product technology for optimal freedom of movement.

Gore’s extensive biophysics lab capabilities ensure performance

While each element of such military clothing systems must perform on its own, the key to overall performance lies in the interoperability of the individual elements of the system. "Even with computer simulations, real-world performance requires solid data from labs and field tests. Gore has a wide range of biophysics lab capabilities, including durability and wet labs, a rain tower, and an environmental and comfort chamber, which sets us apart from the competition," says Oliver Opitz, product specialist at Gore for the Armed Forces. Staying with the example of the Northern Combat Uniform, the system has been extensively tested in Gore's laboratories to ensure that it meets or exceeds performance requirements. But nothing beats testing by soldiers in the field. The feedback from these extensive field tests confirms that the system's fabric is doing what it was designed to do: The highest level of protection and comfort in the roughest of conditions and missions.

Gore revolutionized the outerwear industry with waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX Fabric more than 40 years ago and remains a leading innovator of performance apparel. Gore fabrics products provide comfort and protection in challenging environments and in everyday life, enabling wearers to safely and confidently achieve and experience more. From hiking in downpours to defense operations and fighting fires, Gore’s deep understanding of consumer and industry needs drives development of products with meaningful performance advantages. gore-tex.com and goretexprofessional.com

Building on the successful introduction of the THERMIUM® insulation technology end of 2019, several customers of W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) have presented their collection for defence and law enforcement end-use. This innovative insulation technology THERMIUM® adds warmth and maintains the footwear’s agility and offers thermal comfort in an even broader range of temperatures. Built into winter, summer or all-season GORE-TEX footwear, it always delivers thermal protection without adding bulk, or compromising mobility and breathability. More information on https://www.goretexprofessional.com/uk/technologies/gore-tex-thermium

Tactical boots are worn for long periods outdoors and often in harsh conditions. They must therefore be durable waterproof and breathable. They also need excellent insulation to keep feet safe, warm, dry, and comfortable in cold environments. Gore´s technology features patented thermal mapping: The ultra-thin, noncompressible insulation is strategically placed in temperature-critical areas of the foot. The result is outstanding heat retention without the bulk and weight associated with insulation.

“The introduction of the newest generations of tactical boots by our partners HAIX, YDS, AKU and Altama/Original puts THERMIUM® insulation technology onto the market for combat GORE-TEX boots with a variety of brands, models, designs and specifications”, says Martin Pfister, Product Specialist at Gore Footwear for professional end-use. “What they all have in common is the high-performance technology for best user experience, comfort and functionality”.

A new boot with high-tech insulation

THERMIUM® insulation is built upon a unique combination of PTFE and silica aerogel, the world’s best solid thermal insulator. This revolutionary material offers thermal comfort on a new level, because it is ultra-thin, low bulk and noncompressible. THERMIUM® insulation which has a special composition, is the first insulation that can be used outside of the waterproof membrane and enables high insulation performance even in a wet environment. It is only 1.7 millimetres thick and integrates easily and seamlessly into existing designs without affecting the shape, agility, or breathability of the boot. Strategically placed in the boot, and combined with the GORE-TEX lining, results in durably waterproof and highly breathable boots that bring additional thermal comfort to defence personnel during their missions in temperate and cold conditions.

At a glance, THERMIUM® insulation technology delivers:

• Enhanced insulation technology that improves cold climate comfort 
• Enduring comfort and protection across an extended range of temperatures 
• Hydrophobic properties, enable consistent insulation in wet and dry conditions 
• Continuous versatility, enabling customization through various shapes, layers, and designs 
• Seamless integration into existing manufacturing processes

Gore revolutionized the outerwear industry with waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX fabric 40 years ago and remains a leading innovator of performance apparel. Gore fabrics products provide comfort and protection in challenging environments and in everyday life, enabling wearers to safely and confidently achieve and experience more. From hiking in downpours to military operations and fighting fires, Gore’s deep understanding of consumer and industry needs drives development of products with meaningful performance advantages. https://www.goretexprofessional.com/uk

The EXTRAGUARD upper technology consists of 3-layers. The outer layer is highly abrasion-resistant and robust. The second layer, called the functional layer, can be varied in thickness according to end user requirements and is intended to protect the foot from shock. The third or inner layer is called the low water absorption construction.

This new 3-layer upper is then sealed with GORE® Seam Tape and, together with a GORE-TEX lining (inner bootie construction), is integrated into a safety boot. Seam sealing prevents moisture from making its way into the boot through the seams. Even following months of heavy wear and loss of the water repellent finish GORE-TEX EXTRAGUARD safety footwear only absorbs a minimal amount of water, which means they stay light in weight. Plus, with the GORE-TEX inner bootie in place the footwear remains waterproof and feet stay dry, even if the surface layer of the upper has been damaged.

"Our scientific lab tests, as well as initial end user wearer tests, show that GORE-TEX safety footwear with EXTRAGUARD technology remain light, waterproof, comfortable yet robust even after months of intensive use," comments Helmut Klug, product specialist at GORE-TEX Professional.

Safety footwear remains durably light

In wet conditions it absorbs very little moisture and therefore doesn’t become heavy; changes in weight are slight and insignificant. The 3-layer construction ensures that the safety footwear remains lightweight even when heavily used in rain or snow and protects against sharp or falling objects, heat, wear and tear. Moisture from the outside only penetrates as far as the innovative low water absorption construction layer. Therefore, no moisture forms between the upper material and the inner GORE-TEX bootie. As a result, the conductive heat loss of a GORE-TEX EXTRAGUARD safety footwear is considerably less than that of conventional safety footwear.

Easy cleaning, quick re-dry

From first wear GORE-TEX safety footwear with EXTRAGUARD upper technology is comfortable and doesn’t have to be broken in. Even after long periods of wear the material doesn’t wrinkle, is colour fast and resistant to chemicals. Whilst conventional upper materials for safety shoes soak up moisture as soon as the waterproof repellent finish has worn away, this isn’t the case with GORE-TEX EXTRAGUARD safety footwear due to its low absorption construction. The footwear requires less re-drying time than conventional styles and spraying off dirt and mud with water is all the care and cleaning that is required.

The EXTRAGUARD upper technology also sets new standards in terms of sustainability: the upper material is chromium-free and delivered on rolls in consistent quality. This results in less production waste and significantly fewer chemicals are used in the manufacture of the upper material. The lower water consumption and minimized CO₂ emissions during production ensure a lower environmental footprint compared to conventional upper materials for safety footwear. And finally, because the new upper material is so hard wearing the footwear will be worn for longer which helps lower its environmental impact.

“Our licenced manufacturing partners have welcomed this new upper material technology which is ideal for workers within construction, demolition, rail, utilities and agriculture who need all-season safety footwear that is durably protective as well as lightweight and comfortable to wear for heavy and moderate daily activities. The first GORE-TEX EXTRAGUARD safety footwear models will be presented from autumn onwards,” comments Klug.

Learn more about the innovative upper technology: All day, every day; Dilemma; EXTRAGUARD Technology; Sustainability;

GORE-TEX products for professional use are valued globally for their high quality and durable performance. The design and manufacture of membranes, laminates and seam sealing tapes ensure that technical garments, footwear and gloves have the durability to survive the harshest working conditions and meet or exceed required standards for first responders, technical rescue, firefighters or defense personnel. To certify a product's functionality over time, rigorous scientific tests are performed in the GORE-TEX labs around the world. Now, for the first time in the brand’s history, visitors can walk virtually 24/7/365 through the company-own test labs physically located in the US and Germany and learn about the different test methods in a 360° view.

Next to the Biophysics Lab, the Environmental Chamber and the Gore Rain Tower, visitors can take a digital tour through the Heat & Flame lab, the Durability Testing & Analysis lab as well as the footwear, gloves and textile labs including the Garment Center. The virtual experience consists of 20 lab rooms and 97 highlighted test apparatus spanning from waterproofness and breathability to flame resistance and comfort science test methods. The virtual labs are accessible through the new GORE-TEX Professional website https://www.goretexprofessional.com/uk/about-us/quality-and-testing/virtual-lab-tour

“We’re excited to educate customers and end-users about how we test GORE-TEX products. Typically, we bring them to our labs in the US and Germany and give them a guided tour. Due to the pandemic situation, physical access to our labs is restricted and so we wanted to bring the labs to our guests virtually. They can now walk virtually from our labs located in Germany to those in the US within seconds, something impossible in real life”, comments Andreas Pollak, GORE-TEX Professional Global Marketing Leader.

FACTS & FIGURES ABOUT THE GORE-TEX VIRTUAL LAB

20 lab rooms accessible virtually, 97 highlighted test stations

• Footwear Lab: 7 test stations, incl. Footwear Breathability Test, Bottle Test, Wicking Test, Gore Centrifuge Test and Gore Walking Simulator
• Gloves Lab: 8 test stations incl. Liner Retention test, Water Vapour Permeability Test, Whole Glove Breathability and Whole Glove Leak Test
• Textile Lab: 19 test stations incl. Tensile and Tear Testing, IR-Spectrophotometer, Shrinkage Behavior, Weight measurement, Visual Colour Matching, Wicking Test and Oil Repellency Test
• Wet Lab: 5 test stations, incl. Water Repellency Bundesmann Test, Durability Test and Colour Fastness/Washing and Perspiration test
• Garment Center: 8 highlight stations, incl. concept garment, seam sealing, Waterproof vs. Non-waterproof construction, and construction folder
• Rain Room: 2 test stations, style approval and storm cube
• Durability Testing & Analysis Lab: 23 test stations, incl. Exeter Dynamic Shoe Flexibility Tester, Crumple flexer, Testex Circular Locus Tester, I-mass tester, Mace snag tester, Tear resistance Elmendorff, and Multi-finger Scratch tester
• Heat & Flame Lab: 8 test stations, incl. Cone Calorimeter, Pyrolysis Combustion Flow Calorimeter/Microscale Combustion Calorimeter, and Vertical Flame / Folded Flame
• Biophysics Lab: 17 test stations, incl. C-therm, K-Tester, Instron, Handikin, Gore Noise Analyzer (GNA) Kawabata, and Gore Environmental chamber

Gore revolutionized the outerwear industry with waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX fabric 40 years ago and remains a leading innovator of performance apparel. Gore fabrics products provide comfort and protection in challenging environments and in everyday life, enabling wearers to safely and confidently achieve and experience more. From hiking in downpours to military operations and fighting fires, Gore’s deep understanding of consumer and industry needs drives development of products with meaningful performance advantages. https://www.goretexprofessional.com/uk

W. L. Gore W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) has published its 2020 Responsibility Update for the Fabrics Division. The Responsibility Update 2020 shares details on how the Division plans to leverage the newly introduced sustainability framework by using sound science, transparency, and cooperation with others to provide innovative solutions to both its customers and the industry.

In addition, the update includes an interview with the leaders of the Consumer Oriented Fabrics (COF) and Technical Oriented Fabrics (TOF) businesses who share how they plan to implement the new framework and use it to help strengthen the importance of sustainability to the Gore Fabrics Division.

Highlights of the Gore Fabrics Responsibility Update 2020:

• Setting of new absolute carbon-reduction goals established to support achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and help contribute to the global effort toward mitigating climate change.
• The culmination of a three-year effort to triple the number of GORE-TEX laminates (to more than 150) that use textiles with recycled content and solution dyed-yarn.
• Sharing of environmental footprint data of the GORE-TEX consumer garments laminates through the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (MSI), helping our customers to make informed decisions.
• Use of the Higg Facility Tools, implemented to increase transparency around environmental and social impacts at Gore Fabrics manufacturing sites.
• The signing of the Manifesto of the international initiative “S.O.S. SOIL – Save Organics in Soil” by the Solid Waste Treatment Team of the TOF business, with a goal to encourage climate-proof soil management practices.

Using decades of scientific knowledge, R&D and testing, the Gore Fabrics Division will continue to drive environmentally improved material innovations that deliver an optimized combination of high performance with a low environmental footprint.

Ross MacLaine, the new Sustainability Leader of Gore´s Fabrics Division, stated: “I am pleased to see that in 2020, despite all of the challenges, we kept making substantial progress in many areas of our sustainability journey. I am particularly proud of our carbon goals and our new sustainability framework. And I promise that we will continue to work hard on all the commitments we made within our evolved sustainability strategy, protecting people and planet whilst prolonging product lifetime and the well-being of users”

Gore revolutionized the outerwear industry with waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX Fabric more than 40 years ago and remains a leading innovator of performance apparel. Gore fabrics products provide comfort and protection in challenging environments and in everyday life, enabling wearers to safely and confidently achieve and experience more. From hiking in downpours to defense operations and fighting fires, Gore’s deep understanding of consumer and industry needs drives development of products with meaningful performance advantages. For more information, visit goretexprofessional.com.