The Global Polyurethane Waterproof Breathable Textile Market was valued at USD 2.1 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 3.2 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.8% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This robust growth is fueled by rising consumer demand for high-performance outdoor apparel, increasing participation in adventure sports, and the continuous innovation in textile technologies that offer superior comfort and protection from the elements.

As consumers become more active and environmentally conscious, the demand for advanced fabrics that keep them dry and comfortable is skyrocketing. These textiles are a critical component in everything from high-end mountaineering gear to everyday rainwear. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Polyurethane Waterproof Breathable Textile Industry—a dynamic mix of material innovators, chemical giants, and specialty fabric manufacturers shaping the future of functional apparel.

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🔟 1. Toray Industries, Inc.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Dermizax®, Entrant®

Toray Industries is a global leader in advanced materials, including its renowned range of waterproof breathable fabrics. Its Dermizax and Entrant brands are widely used by leading outdoor apparel companies for their exceptional performance, combining stretch, waterproofness, and high moisture vapor transmission rates.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of bio-based polyurethane membranes

• Closed-loop recycling systems for textile waste

• Commitment to carbon neutrality across its supply chain by 2050

Download FREE Sample Report: Polyurethane Waterproof Breathable Textile Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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9️⃣ 2. W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

Headquarters: Newark, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: GORE-TEX® Fabrics

Gore is synonymous with waterproof breathable technology. While famous for its ePTFE (expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene) membranes, the company also utilizes polyurethane laminates and coatings in its product portfolio. GORE-TEX products are the gold standard for reliability in extreme conditions, trusted by militaries and outdoor enthusiasts worldwide.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• GORE-TEX Sustainability Pledge focusing on PFAS elimination

• Investment in new durable water repellent (DWR) technologies without PFCs of environmental concern

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8️⃣ 3. Polartec, LLC

Headquarters: Andover, Massachusetts, USA
Key Offering: Polartec® NeoShell®, Power Shield®

Polartec is a premier innovator in textile engineering. Its NeoShell fabric is recognized as one of the most breathable waterproof membranes available, utilizing an air-permeable polyurethane structure. The company’s fabrics are designed for high-output activities where moisture management is critical.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Polartec Power Air™ platform reduces fiber shedding

• Use of recycled content across many of its fabric lines

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7️⃣ 4. Sympatex Technologies GmbH

Headquarters: Unterföhring, Germany
Key Offering: Sympatex® Membranes and Laminates

Sympatex specializes in 100% recyclable, PTFE-free waterproof breathable membranes based on thermoplastic polyetherester. The company offers a fully integrated sustainability concept, from membrane production to garment recycling, making it a key player in the circular economy for textiles.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• 100% recyclable and PFC-free membrane technology

• Closed-loop production and take-back programs for end-of-life garments

Download FREE Sample Report: Polyurethane Waterproof Breathable Textile Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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6️⃣ 5. Mitsui & Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Aqualite®

Mitsui Chemicals is a major supplier of polyurethane raw materials and finished membranes. Its Aqualite brand of waterproof breathable films is widely used in the apparel, footwear, and glove industries across Asia and globally, known for its cost-effectiveness and consistent performance.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of biomass-derived polyols for PU production

• Initiatives to reduce the environmental footprint of its chemical processes

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5️⃣ 6. Rudolf GmbH

Headquarters: Geretsried, Germany
Key Offering: RUDOLF AIR²® Technology, BIONIC-FINISH® ECO

Rudolf Group is a global specialist in textile chemical auxiliaries, including high-performance waterproof breathable finishes and laminating adhesives. Its technologies enhance the functionality of textiles through durable water repellent (DWR) finishes and breathable coating systems.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Pioneering PFAS-free and biodegradable DWR finishes

• RUDOLF AIR² technology for resource-efficient air-permeable membranes

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4️⃣ 7. Schoeller Textil AG

Headquarters: Sevelen, Switzerland
Key Offering: c_change®, WB-400

Schoeller Textil is renowned for its innovative and high-tech fabrics. The company’s c_change membrane is a smart temperature-regulating technology that adapts to changing weather conditions, while its WB-400 series offers robust waterproof and breathable protection using advanced polyurethane systems.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Blue-sign® certified production standards

• Development of eco-friendly finishing and coating processes

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3️⃣ 8. APT Fabrics Ltd.

Headquarters: Lancashire, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Fabrics for Performance Apparel

APT Fabrics is a specialist manufacturer and distributor of functional fabrics for the outdoor, sportswear, and workwear markets. The company sources and develops a wide range of laminated and coated textiles featuring polyurethane membranes, providing tailored solutions for specific end-use applications.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Focus on supplying fabrics with recycled content

• Partnerships with mills that adhere to strict environmental standards

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2️⃣ 9. Helly Hansen

Headquarters: Oslo, Norway
Key Offering: Helly Tech® Performance

While primarily an apparel brand, Helly Hansen is a significant innovator in waterproof breathable technology. Its proprietary Helly Tech fabrics, which often incorporate polyurethane membranes and coatings, are developed and tested in the harsh conditions of the Norwegian seas and mountains, ensuring proven performance for professional and recreational use.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Increasing use of recycled polyester in its base fabrics

• Commitment to responsible chemical management through the ZDHC Roadmap to Zero programme

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1️⃣ 10. Columbia Sportswear Company

Headquarters: Portland, Oregon, USA
Key Offering: OutDry™ Extreme, Omni-Tech™

Columbia Sportswear has vertically integrated technology development with its acclaimed Omni-Tech™ (a waterproof breathable laminate) and OutDry™ Extreme (a waterproof breathable membrane applied to the outside of the fabric) technologies. These innovations demonstrate a deep commitment to solving real-world comfort challenges for consumers.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• “This is the world we protect” sustainability framework

• Phasing out PFC-based DWR treatments across its product lines

Get Full Report Here: Polyurethane Waterproof Breathable Textile Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Performance Textiles is Sustainable and Smart

The polyurethane waterproof breathable textile market is evolving beyond basic protection. The industry is now focused on creating fabrics that are not only highly functional but also environmentally responsible and integrated with digital capabilities.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Accelerated shift towards PFAS-free and biodegradable chemistries for DWR and membranes

• Growth of the circular economy model with take-back and recycling programs for end-of-life garments

• Integration of smart textiles with embedded sensors for temperature and moisture monitoring

• Expansion into new applications such as urban mobility, wearable technology, and protective workwear

Get Full Report Here: Polyurethane Waterproof Breathable Textile Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies leading this market are not just creating fabrics; they are engineering advanced material solutions that enhance human performance and protection while minimizing environmental impact.