New expedition-grade fabric technology launches
Press release provided by Polartec
Maastricht, Netherlands – 25 January, 2024 – Polartec®, a Milliken™ & Company brand, and premium creator of innovative and more sustainable textile solutions, has this winter launched its new Polartec Power Shield fabric, its first expedition-grade waterproof and breathable fabric technology that’s plant-based and on-PFAS. New Polartec Power Shield Bio-Based Weather Protection is being premiered in four garments from Le Col’s collection of performance road cycling apparel.
More waterproof, more breathable and more comfortable, Power Shield is helping take Le Col’s products to the next level. Using a brand new plant-based membrane, Power Shield is also more sustainable. It represents the most capable and versatile waterproof and breathable technology in Polartec’s fabric portfolio. Developed to an expedition-grade standard, performance is at the forefront, with the material able to withstand heavy rains and high winds, all whilst remaining breathable.
To come up with a breathable and waterproof membrane that was completely plant-based was a big challenge for the scientists at Polartec. What they came up with is a new system that uses molecular diffusion, rather than micropores, to move out water vapour while maintaining a barrier against water droplets. This type of technology isn’t new, but a membrane that can layer within technical fabric and withstand stretching, washing, and the abuse of outdoor sport is unprecedented. In addition, because this new technology is free from micropores, it also can’t clog up and lose breathing performance.
In tests Polartec Power Shield Bio-Based achieves the following:
More than 20,000 mm Hydrostatic Pressure Test for Waterproofness
More than 20,000 g/m2/24h Moisture Vapor Transmission Rating for Breathability
The latest versions of the AW23 Hors Categorie Jacket II (SRP: £330), Pro Jacket (SRP: £265) along with the Pro All Weather Jersey (SRP: £100) and Pro All Weather Gilet (SRP: £155) all benefit from this ground-breaking technology and have been applied to the products through the painstaking attention to detail of the Le Col R&D team.
Hannah Greenshield, Product Developer at Le Col said, “We couldn’t be happier with the new Power Shield technology and the benefits it’s had to our product range. Not having to sacrifice performance in the pursuit of more sustainable products is a fantastic result”.
Matteo Tolio, Sales & Marketing Manager for Cycling International at Polartec said, “We’re thrilled to once again be working with Le Col and to have them as one of the first brands to ultilise our new Power Shield technology. As a brand whose focus is so strongly on sustainable performance innovations, we’re so glad to be able to live-up to those high standards and support Le Col in creating industry-leading cycling apparel”.
About Polartec®
Polartec®, a Milliken & Company brand, are a collective of curious minds, relentless innovators, and dedicated problem solvers. We look beyond the existing and we create original. If it can be made, we will make it. And if it can’t? We’ll find a way. We are the originators and inventors of synthetic fleece. Our unique unrivalled innovations continue to lead and layer the future. Complete trust and authenticity are inherent in all our products, ultimately empowering people to concentrate on their moment, their activity, and their unique experience in life without distractions. Our fabrics go beyond industry standards, with lightweight wicking and cooling, warmth and insulation, breathable weather protection, fire resistance, enhanced durability and more. Polartec products are used by performance, lifestyle, and workwear brands from around the world, the U.S. Military and allied militaries, and contract upholstery markets. For more information, please visit Polartec.com
