ISPO marks three million milestone for ion-mask™

ABINGDON, 29 January 2012: P2i, the world leader in liquid repellent nano-coating technology, is pleased to announce the application of ion-mask™ to over three million pairs of shoes. Working with world leading brands, ion-mask™ provides performance enhancing benefits to lifestyle footwear and accessories.

Due to customer demand, P2i has outgrown the processing facility in Dalingshan and is currently moving to a larger facility in Chang’an - at the heart of the manufacturing district for footwear and outdoor accessories in Dongguan, China.

Dr. Stephen Coulson, P2i’s CTO comments: “The move to the new facility will enable us to double our processing capacity while optimizing throughput and maintaining great technical effect. Our success with ion-mask™ is not only demonstrated by the sheer number of shoes processed, but also the commitment from brands as they roll out the technology onto an increasing range of products – including hats and gloves.”

This game changing technology ensures superior liquid repellency on all materials so that on treated surfaces liquids will form beads and simply roll off. ion-mask™ can be applied to any material, including seams and fastenings, not only limiting external water getting in, but also encouraging evaporated perspiration to flow out. As the material does not absorb water, the products remain dry, lightweight, breathable and clean.

Wearers can’t see or feel ion-mask™ because it is one thousand times thinner than a human hair. However, as the protective layer is molecularly bonded to the whole shoe surface, it is extremely durable. ion- mask™ lasts as long as the shoe material itself and is not compromised by every day wear. Plus, by resisting the absorption of water, ion-mask™ helps guard against stains and dirt residue.

At ISPO 2012, P2i staff will be demonstrating the liquid repellent benefits of ion-mask™ on a range of products including tissues, fabrics and footwear - offering treated and untreated versions for comparison.

-Ends-

Notes for Editors

About P2i

P2i is the world leader in liquid repellent nano-coating technology. It was established in 2004 to commercialize liquid-repellent treatments developed by the UK’s Ministry of Defence. Now on a commercial scale, P2i’s patented process has been successfully applied to a wide range of products in a wide range of markets including Lifestyle, Electronics, Life Sciences, Military & Institutional and Filtration & Energy.

In consumer sectors, the presence of P2i’s technology is indicated either by Aridion™, its brand for Electronics or ion-mask™, its brand for Lifestyle, which includes footwear and accessories.

See www.p2i.com for more information. Corporate enquiries to:
Tel: +44 (0)1235 833100
Fax: +44 (0)1235 861214
Email: info@p2i.com

How the P2i technology works

P2i’s technology works by applying a nanometer-thin polymer layer over the entire surface of a product. Using an ionized gas (plasma) this layer is molecularly bound to the surface and will not leach away. The process confers superior oil and water repellency by reducing the surface energy to ultra-low levels – down to one third that of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). In footwear and textile applications, P2i’s technology also minimizes liquid absorption from outside elements and evaporated perspiration.

Tests show that P2i's patented nano-coating technology can deliver performance benefits for a wide range of materials, including polymers, metals, fabrics, leather, ceramics, glass and paper. Even complex, 3D objects incorporating several different materials can be treated successfully with the P2i process: from footwear to hearing aids, bio-consumables to filtration.

Media Contacts

Silja Ingham +44 (0)208 398 6588 or Silja@origincomms.com
Natasha Verniquet +44 (0)1235 838 715 or Natasha.Verniquet@p2i.com