Gore-Tex PFAS Lawsuit: Were Consumers Misled About Environmental Safety Claims?

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims Gore-Tex products contain PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals," despite the company's environmental safety claims. 

Consumers Affected: Consumers in 30 states, including California, New York, Florida, and Washington, who purchased Gore-Tex products between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2024.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington, Spokane Division

A recently filed lawsuit is accusing W.L. Gore & Associates, the company behind Gore-Tex products, of misleading consumers about the environmental safety of its waterproof fabrics. The complaint claims the company knowingly sold products containing harmful chemicals known as PFAS, while promoting them as environmentally responsible.

Gore-Tex Products Contain PFAS Despite Environmental Claims, Lawsuit Says

Plaintiffs Micah Mason, Dionysios Tsirkas, Scott B. Johnson, and Adrian Washington filed the complaint in federal court on February 11, 2025, alleging W.L. Gore & Associates marketed Gore-Tex fabric as environmentally sound despite knowing its products contained PFAS—perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances—commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.”

The complaint states that for years, W.L. Gore & Associates promoted its products as “committed to sustainability” and “environmentally sound.” However, the plaintiffs allege the company’s manufacturing process still relies heavily on PFAS chemicals, which do not break down easily and have been linked to serious health and environmental risks.

“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 complaint states. “But, in truth, Gore continues to produce Gore-Tex fabric using PFAS.”

Gore-Tex Products Shed PFAS During Everyday Use

According to the complaint, W.L. Gore & Associates not only uses PFAS during the manufacturing process but also fails to warn consumers that Gore-Tex fabric sheds these chemicals into the environment during regular wear and washing.

The plaintiffs argue this means anyone wearing Gore-Tex gear may unknowingly release PFAS into nearby soil and water. Hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and everyday consumers alike contribute to environmental contamination simply by using these products, according to the complaint.

“Gore also fails to disclose that its Gore-Tex Fabric sheds PFAS chemicals via ordinary use, which means that outdoor enthusiasts, as well as those simply wearing Gore-Tex Fabric to keep dry, are inadvertently contaminating the environment areas and their water supply when they venture out in their Gore-Tex gear, as the gear sheds PFAS,” the complaint alleges.

Consumers Paid Premium Prices Based on Environmental Claims

Plaintiff Micah Mason purchased Volcom snow pants in 2021 featuring a Gore-Tex membrane. According to the complaint, Mason relied on product labels and advertising that claimed the pants were environmentally sound and responsibly made. The complaint states Mason had no way to know the pants were made with PFAS or that they could shed chemicals during normal use.

“Had Defendant disclosed these practices, Plaintiff would not have purchased the Product or would have paid less for it,” the complaint states.

The plaintiffs argue consumers paid premium prices for products advertised as environmentally responsible, believing the products were safer for both themselves and the planet. Instead, they claim consumers were unknowingly contributing to long-term environmental harm.

Greenwashing Allegations and Misleading Product Labels

The complaint also accuses W.L. Gore & Associates of using confusing or misleading terms in product marketing. Gore-Tex hangtags, the lawsuit claims, advertise the products as “PFC* Free” without fully explaining that this term does not cover all fluorinated chemicals, including some PFAS.

The plaintiffs allege customers would have needed to dig through Gore’s website to understand how the company defined “PFC,” rather than receiving clear information directly from product labels. They claim Gore’s practices violate the Federal Trade Commission’s Green Guides, which aim to prevent deceptive environmental marketing claims.

“Based on the overall impression presented by the Products and misrepresentations by Gore, reasonable consumers, including Plaintiffs, did not know nor did they expect that Products were treated with and/or manufacturing [sic] using PFAS,” the complaint states.

Other Companies Face Lawsuits Over PFAS in Products

Gore-Tex is not the only product under legal scrutiny for PFAS content. Recent cases have targeted companies across multiple industries, including outdoor gear, electronics, and food packaging.

Earlier this year, a lawsuit accused Apple of using PFAS in Apple Watch bands, while another claimed Samsung Galaxy Watch bands contain the same chemicals. Hershey’s also faced legal claims alleging PFAS contamination in candy wrappers, further raising consumer concerns about exposure to these chemicals in everyday products.

In the Gore-Tex PFAs class action lawsuit, the plaintiffs are seeking to represent consumers from 30 states, including California, New York, Florida, and Washington, who purchased Gore-Tex products between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2024. In addition to monetary damages, the plaintiffs want the court to order W.L. Gore & Associates to reform its marketing practices and product labeling to provide accurate information about PFAS content and environmental impacts.

Case Details:

• Lawsuit: Mason et al v. W.L. Gore & Associates
• Case Number: 2:25-cv-00049
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington, Spokane Division

Plaintiffs' Attorneys:

• Steve W. Berman and Catherine Y.N. Gannon (Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP)

Do you own any Gore-Tex products? What are your thoughts on this lawsuit? Share your opinion in the comments below.