Gore-Tex waterproof products are ‘greenwashed,’ class action alleges

Gore-Tex class action lawsuit overview:

• Who: A group of consumers filed a class action lawsuit against W.L. Gore & Associates.
• Why: The plaintiffs claim Gore falsely advertises its Gore-Tex waterproof fabric products as being environmentally friendly.
• Where: The class action lawsuit was filed in Washington federal court.

A new class action lawsuit alleges that W.L. Gore & Associates falsely advertises its Gore-Tex waterproof fabric products as being environmentally friendly.

Plaintiffs Micah Mason, Dionysios Tsirkas, Scott B. Johnson and Adrian Washington claim Gore has engaged in a long-term, widespread greenwashing campaign to mislead consumers into believing that its Gore-Tex fabric products are environmentally friendly.

The plaintiffs argue that, in reality, Gore continues to produce Gore-Tex fabric using perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a suite of harmful “forever chemicals” with extremely dangerous health and environmental effects.

“Gore’s greenwashing campaign misleads the public by purporting to be highly committed to environmental responsibility and at the forefront of sustainable manufacturing processes,” the Gore-Tex class action says.

The plaintiffs want to represent multiple classes of consumers who purchased Gore-Tex products in certain states between Jan. 1, 2018, and Dec. 31, 2024.

Gore ‘misleads’ consumers with greenwashing campaign, class action says

The Gore-Tex class action lawsuit alleges Gore’s greenwashing campaign includes misleading marketing materials, such as hang tags on Gore-Tex products that claim the items are “committed to sustainability” and “environmentally sound.”

The class action further claims Gore’s website and other marketing materials contain false and misleading environmental claims, such as stating that Gore-Tex fabric is a sound choice for environmentally conscious consumers.

“Gore’s website inundates consumers with acknowledgments that sustainability is a ‘top’ priority for the company, while also positioning environmental stewardship as one of Gore’s founding principles,” the Gore-Tex class action states.

The group claims Gore is guilty of fraudulent concealment and in violation of the Federal Trade Commission’s Green Guides, which provide guidance on making truthful and substantiated environmental claims, and various state consumer laws. 

The plaintiffs demand a jury trial and request declaratory and injunctive relief and an award of punitive damages for themselves and all class members. 

A consumer filed a similar class action lawsuit against Lululemon in 2024 over claims the athleisure company falsely advertises its products as eco-friendly when its manufacturing processes harm the environment. 

Have you purchased Gore-Tex products? Let us know in the comments.

The plaintiffs are represented by Steve W. Berman and Catherine Y.N. Gannon of Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP and Rebecca A. Peterson, Krista K. Freier and Catherine A. Peterson of George Feldman McDonald PLLC.

The Gore-Tex class action lawsuit is Mason, et al. v. W.L. Gore & Associates Inc., Case No. 2:25-cv-00049, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington.

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