INVISTA and Klopman International Launch Klopman Vantage Fabric featuring CORDURA® Brand Technology

Durable and Comfortable Workwear Solution Unveiled at Expoprotection

UK - September 1, 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.

About CORDURA® Brand

INVISTA’s CORDURA® brand essence celebrates individual durability: As Long As The World Is Full Of Durable People, We’ll Keep Making Durable Fabrics™. Known for its resistance to abrasions, tears and scuffs, CORDURA® fabric is a primary ingredient in many of the world’s leading high-performance gear and apparel products ranging from luggage, upholstery and backpacks to footwear, military equipment, tactical wear, workwear and performance apparel. The CORDURA® brand is a registered trademark of INVISTA, one of the world’s largest integrated polymer, intermediates and fibers businesses. To distinguish the CORDURA® brand, the word “CORDURA®” must be spelled out in all caps in and used with an ®, and it must be followed by the word “brand” or “fabric.”

To learn more about INVISTA’s CORDURA® brand, end-use products, and marketing tools please visit www.CORDURA.com. and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

About INVISTA

INVISTA is one of the world’s largest integrated producers of polymers and fibers, primarily for nylon, spandex and polyester applications, a business presence in over 20 countries, INVISTA’s global businesses deliver exceptional value for their customers through technology innovations, market insights and a powerful portfolio of global trademarks including: ADI-PURE®, ANTRON®, AVORA®, C12™, COMFOREL®, COOLMAX®, CORDURA®, CORFREE®, DACRON®, DBE®, DYTEK®, FRESHFX™, LYCRA®, PERFORMA™, POLARGUARD®, POLYSHIELD®, POLYCLEAR®, SOLARMAX®, STAINMASTER®, SUPPLEX®, SUPRIVA®, TACTEL®, TACTESSE®, TERATE®, TERATHANE® and THERMOLITE®. More information on INVISTA can be found at www.INVISTA.com.