In addition to the now "smaller ecological footprint", the latest laminates with the new ePE membrane also increasingly use outer textiles made from recycled polyester, for example from old PET bottles. The nylon material produced in this way reduces the amount of waste and the used plastic bottles do not end up in waste incineration, according to the press release.
In terms of vapour permeability and waterproofness, the now lighter and stronger membrane should meet all the requirements of outdoor brands and also be just as durable.
Roeckl Sports uses new membrane
Alongside well-known top brands such as Adidas, Arc'teryx and Patagonia, Roeckl Sports is one of the first cycling apparel manufacturers to be allowed to use the new ePE membrane in a new winter glove, which will go on sale in November 2022.
The traditional Munich brand is a long-standing partner of membrane specialist Gore and particularly appreciates the quality and durability of its products, as Christian Roeckl, Managing Director of Roeckl Sports, emphasised in an interview with TOUR. Over the last few years, however, calls from the outdoor industry for membranes and laminates free from environmentally harmful chemical compounds, which Gore, unlike its competitors, had not been able to offer until then, have become louder. "For years, we have wanted to be able to offer PTFE-free products," says Christian Roeckl, explaining the sourcing dilemma on the way to more sustainable products. "Now Gore finally has a solution with the ePE membrane and Teflon-free products," says Roeckl, pleased with the positive development step.
New Gore-Tex membrane in more and more products
According to Gore, the new eEP membrane will not replace Shakedry or Gore-Tex Infinion, but will gradually be found in more and more products. Roeckl is certain that the new membrane is just as vapour-permeable and waterproof as its predecessor, meaning that the high performance level will be maintained. "And we trust in the longevity," says Roeckl, emphasising that "only durable products are also sustainable products"!
A test of the brand new Roeckl Sports glove with Gore's new ePE membrane can be found in TOUR 12-2022 in comparison with seven other winter gloves.
Matthias Borchers
Editor
