The Global Sports Breathable Membrane Market was valued at US$ 2.14 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach US$ 3.02 Billion by 2034, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.8% during the forecast period (2024–2034). This robust growth is driven by increasing participation in outdoor and athletic activities, rising demand for high-performance sportswear, and the accelerating adoption of advanced, sustainable materials across the apparel and footwear industries.

As consumers and athletes demand gear that provides superior comfort, protection, and durability, the technology behind these products is more critical than ever. At the heart of high-performance apparel lies the breathable membrane—a sophisticated material engineered to manage moisture and temperature. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Sports Breathable Membrane Industry—a collection of material science innovators and textile pioneers shaping the future of functional sportswear.

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🔟 1. W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore-Tex)

Headquarters: Newark, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: Gore-Tex membranes, Gore-Tex Pro, and Gore-Tex Active

W. L. Gore & Associates is the undisputed global leader in breathable membrane technology, with its Gore-Tex brand synonymous with waterproof and breathable performance. The company’s expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane technology sets the industry standard for durability, weather protection, and comfort across a vast range of sports applications, from mountaineering to running.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Pioneering ePTFE membrane technology for over 40 years
• Developing next-generation membranes with enhanced recyclability
• Commitment to eliminating PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) from its consumer fabrics by the end of 2025

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9️⃣ 2. Polartec (Milliken & Company)

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

Polartec, a division of Milliken & Company, is a leading innovator in high-performance textiles, including advanced breathable membranes. Its Polartec NeoShell® is renowned as one of the most air-permeable waterproof membranes on the market, making it a favorite for high-exertion activities where maximum breathability is crucial.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Focus on high-air-permeability membranes for aerobic activities
• Integration of recycled content across its product lines
• Continuous R&D in biodegradable and circular material solutions

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8️⃣ 3. Toray Industries, Inc.

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

Toray Industries is a global chemical industry giant and a major force in advanced material science. Its Entrant and Dermizax branded membranes are widely used by leading sportswear brands for their excellent waterproofing, breathability, and lightweight properties, particularly in the Asian and global markets.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of ultra-thin, high-performance membranes
• Strong focus on eco-conscious production processes
• Strategic partnerships with major global apparel brands

Download FREE Sample Report:
Sports Breathable Membrane Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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7️⃣ 4. Sympatex Technologies GmbH

Headquarters: Unterföhring, Germany
Key Offering: Sympatex membrane (100% PBT-based)

Sympatex Technologies is a leading European provider of fully recyclable, waterproof, and breathable membranes. Unlike many competitors, Sympatex uses a 100% Polyether-Polyester polymer (PBT) that is free from PTFE and PFCs, positioning it as a key player in the sustainable performance textile market.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• 100% PFC-free and recyclable membrane technology
• Closed-loop recycling program for end-of-life garments
• Strong emphasis on Cradle-to-Cradle Certified® product design

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6️⃣ 5. eVent fabrics (General Electrics Spinoff – BHA Group)

Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina, USA (BHA Group)
Key Offering: eVent Direct Venting® waterproof breathable fabrics

eVent fabrics, now part of the BHA Group, a member of the General Electric family, is renowned for its Direct Venting® technology. This membrane features microscopic pores that open directly to the outside air when body heat and humidity rise, offering superior breathability compared to many traditional membranes.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Patented Direct Venting® technology for rapid moisture vapor transmission
• Development of durable, long-lasting membrane solutions
• Focus on performance optimization for extreme conditions

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5️⃣ 6. Schoeller Textil AG

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

Schoeller Textil is a Swiss textile innovator with a long history of developing high-tech fabrics. Its c_change® membrane is a bio-inspired, climate-active system that adapts to changing temperatures and activity levels, making it a unique and advanced solution in the breathable membrane space.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Bio-mimetic, adaptive membrane technology (c_change®)
• Bluesign® system partner ensuring sustainable production
• High-performance, durable water repellent (DWR) finishes without PFCs of concern

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4️⃣ 7. Pertex (MITSUI & CO., LTD.)

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan (via MITSUI & CO., LTD.)
Key Offering: Pertex Shield®, Pertex Quantum

Pertex is a specialist fabric brand known for producing incredibly lightweight, high-density fabrics that are ideal for laminating with advanced membranes. Its Pertex Shield® products offer a balance of ultralight weight, reliable waterproofing, and high breathability, favored by brands creating minimalist and packable outdoor gear.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Expertise in ultra-lightweight, high-tenacity fabrics for membrane laminates
• Development of recycled nylon and polyester face fabrics
• Focus on reducing the overall environmental footprint of finished garments

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3️⃣ 8. Columbia Sportswear (OutDry Extreme)

Headquarters: Portland, Oregon, USA
Key Offering: OutDry Extreme® membrane technology

Columbia Sportswear, a leading outdoor apparel brand, developed its proprietary OutDry Extreme® membrane technology. This innovative approach involves placing the waterproof breathable membrane on the outside of the shoe or garment, creating a seamless barrier that prevents water absorption and maintains consistent performance.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Proprietary exterior-mounted membrane technology
• Elimination of the need for a separate lining, reducing weight and complexity
• Integration of sustainable materials into product lines featuring OutDry

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2️⃣ 9. Bemis Associates, Inc.

Headquarters: Shirley, Massachusetts, USA
Key Offering: Thermoplastic adhesive films and laminates for seam sealing and bonding membranes

While not a membrane manufacturer itself, Bemis Associates is a critical enabler in the breathable membrane ecosystem. The company is a global leader in thermoplastic adhesive films used to bond membranes to fabrics and to seal seams in waterproof garments. Their technology ensures the integrity and performance of the final product.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of low-temperature, eco-friendly adhesive solutions
• Enabling the production of fully recyclable garment constructions
• Partnerships with membrane producers and apparel brands to optimize lamination processes

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1️⃣ 10. Clariant AG (Functional Minerals)

Headquarters: Muttenz, Switzerland
Key Offering: Additives for breathable polyurethane (PU) membranes and coatings

Clariant is a global specialty chemicals company that plays a foundational role in the membrane market. It produces key additives and masterbatches used in the manufacturing of breathable polyurethane (PU) films and coatings, which are a major alternative to ePTFE membranes, especially in the cost-sensitive segments of the market.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of high-performance additives for microporous PU membranes
• Focus on bio-based and environmentally compatible solutions (e.g., EcoTain®)
• Enhancing the durability and performance of breathable coatings for sportswear

Get Full Report Here:
Sports Breathable Membrane Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🧠 Outlook: The Future of Sports Breathable Membranes Is Sustainable and Smart

The sports breathable membrane market is undergoing a significant transformation. While traditional performance metrics like waterproofness and breathability remain paramount, the industry is now investing heavily in sustainable chemistries, circular economy principles, and smart textile integration.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Accelerated shift towards PFAS/PFC-free membrane and DWR technologies driven by regulations and consumer demand.
• Growth in the monolithically coated film segment, offering a recyclable alternative to laminated membranes.
• Rising demand for lightweight, packable membranes for the fast-growing “fast & light” outdoor and urban sportswear segments.
• Integration of membranes with smart textiles for biometric monitoring and temperature regulation.

The companies listed above are not just supplying materials—they are engineering the next generation of comfort and protection for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts worldwide, steering the industry towards a more sustainable and high-tech future.

Get Full Report Here:
Sports Breathable Membrane Market – View in Detailed Research Report