INVISTA and Klopman International launch Klopman Vantage Fabric featuring CORDURA® Brand Technology
Durable and Comfortable Workwear Solution Unveiled at Expoprotection

UK - September 2008 - INVISTA and Klopman International have come together to unveil the latest innovation in CORDURA® fabric for workwear, during Expoprotection in Paris, 4-7 November 2008. Klopman Vantage fabric featuring CORDURA® brand technology brings together the best of each brand – the experience of Klopman as the leading European manufacturer of fabrics for the workwear market and the legendary durability of CORDURA® fabric.

The fabric, based on an intimate blend of INVISTA™ T420 Nylon 6.6 fibre and combed cotton, draws on Klopman’s 40 years experience of producing high quality fabrics for the European workwear market and the CORDURA® brand’s 30 year legacy of offering durable fabric solutions to a wide range of end-use applications.

Klopman Vantage fabric has been tailored in response to market demand. Whilst European workwear garment manufacturers are happy with CORDURA® fabrics for reinforcements, the demand for a more comfortable durable fabric which could be used for a full garment was identified. INVISTA and Klopman worked together to develop Klopman Vantage fabric featuring CORDURA® brand technology which has the optimum combination of durability and comfort – making it a perfect fit for the European workwear garment industry.

Klopman Vantage fabric featuring CORDURA® brand technology is the result of two years development by Klopman International and INVISTA. It is a 50/50 nylon/combed cotton blend in a twill construction and weighs 250g/m2. This weight is ideal for trousers, coveralls and jackets offering wearers genuine comfort and durability. The fabric, which has been tested by independent laboratories and has been shown to meet the highest standards in terms of physical performance and colour retention standards, is initially available in khaki and black with more colours to be added to the range.

The distinguishing feature of Klopman Vantage fabric featuring CORDURA® brand technology is the achievement of exceptional abrasion resistance whilst maintaining a comfortable hand. This combination was a primary area of focus for both companies in developing the fabric. Compared to an equivalent standard polyester cotton fabric, the abrasion resistance, as measured by the Martindale abrasion test, is around six times greater without compromising the fabric’s inherent comfort. In independent testing, Klopman Vantage fabric achieved 250,000 Martindale rub cycles without failure.

Combining such high levels of abrasion resistance with comfort brings real benefits to the workwear market in Europe. For over 40 years Klopman has been dedicated to developing and supplying an extensive range of high quality performance fabrics to meet the evolving requirements of the European textile sector. This innovative and exciting development is an important addition to the Klopman image workwear fabric range.

Klopman Vantage fabric featuring CORDURA® brand technology will be produced at Klopman International’s state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Frosinone, Italy.

INVISTA’s CORDURA® brand and Klopman International will have opposite stands at the Expoprotection show and will be hosting events together. Find the CORDURA® brand stand in Hall 5, stand C77 and the Klopman International stand in Hall 5, stand C76.

• 5th November at 9 a.m. – Press breakfast. Media are asked to confirm attendance.
• 5th November from 4.30 p.m. – Cocktail hour will be open to show attendees.

CORDURA® Fabric Fact Sheet - Klopman Vantage Fabric featuring CORDURA® Brand Technology

About Klopman International
Europe’s leading manufacturer of polyester/cotton and cotton fabrics for the image workwear, protectivewear and casual apparel markets, Klopman International offers an extensive choice of high performance fabrics with a choice of over 130 fabrics and a palette of more than 120 colours. Routinely specified by leading garment manufacturers, industrial laundries and many of the world’s most well-known and highly-regarded organisations and brands, Klopman fabrics are specifically designed for use in the most demanding working environments and maintain a high quality appearance even after repeated high temperature industrial laundering. For more information, visit www.klopman.com

About CORDURA® Brand
The CORDURA® brand is the registered trademark of INVISTA for durable fabrics. Known for its resistance to abrasions, tears and scuffs, CORDURA® fabric is used in a wide range of products, including luggage, backpacks, boots, military wear and performance apparel. For more information, visit www.cordura.com.