Gore-Tex maker accused of “greenwashing” while concealing PFAS in waterproof outdoor gear

Case

Defendant

W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. (Gore-Tex)

Plaintiff

Class of consumers (represented by Hagens Berman)

Court

U.S. District Court, District of Maryland (amended complaint Aug. 8, 2025)

Filed

2025

Status

Ongoing

Outcome

pending

Industry

Clothing

The Allegation

The class action alleges W.L. Gore knowingly used and sold PFAS-containing products while running a marketing campaign portraying itself as environmentally responsible, concealing the harms of “forever chemicals” from consumers. It parallels a separate December 2024 Maryland state suit alleging Gore polluted soil and drinking water near 13 facilities, with PFOA in some water as high as 800 parts per trillion (vs. EPA’s 4 ppt limit).

Scout Impact

A flagship apparel/textile brand allegedly hiding PFAS behind sustainability marketing — the toxic-chemicals-in-clothing plus greenwashing combination central to Scout’s expansion into apparel.