P2i and Trekmates win OutDoor INDUSTRY AWARD 2012 for water repellent nanotechnology glove

ABINGDON, U.K., FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, GERMANY, 12 July 2012: P2i, the world leader in liquid repellent nano-coating technology, has partnered with renowned manufacturer, Trekmates, to produce the first PrimaLoft® insulated glove with ion-mask™ technology. The DRY Mountain Lite Mitt has been awarded the OutDoor INDUSTRY AWARD 2012 in the Accessories category for its innovation, durability and environmental benefits.

The award helps consumers to identify products that are functional, innovative, durable as well as environmentally friendly and sustainable. ion-mask™, which repels water better than any chemical treatment and is more durable than traditional durable water repellents (DWRs), is applied to the completed glove, providing superior water repellency. Being only nano-meters thin (approximately one thousand times thinner than human hair), ion-mask™ does not affect the look or feel of the gloves so they stay soft, warm and dry.

Keith E Paxton, CEO, Trekmates, comments: “In wet environments, be it rain, mist or snow, the hydrophobic ion-mask™ properties cause a reduction in water retention in the glove material, so they stay lightweight, dry and breathable. ion-mask™ invisibly prevents the water from being absorbed by the upper material while allowing for natural breathability. As soon as we saw the technology in action on footwear, we knew that we had to have this for our gloves as it provides such a high level of flexibility from a design perspective.”

Doug Burley, VP of Lifestyle, P2i, comments: “This award highlights the successful culmination of work between Trekmates and P2i in bringing the first PrimaLoft® insulated ion-mask™ glove to market. Combining our innovative science with Trekmates’ world class manufacturing, we are able to explore the boundaries of this breakthrough technology, and revolutionize the consumer expectation of water protection on Lifestyle accessories.”

The lead up to this year’s major sporting event has provided P2i with a great playground for investigating further innovative applications of the ion-mask™ technology. In May, the company announced projects with UK Sport (in conjunction with British Cycling and Sailing), to protect gear including bike components and sailing harnesses. While a recent video highlights the partnership with the Australian Canoe Slalom team to protect spray skirts. Finally, a more traditional link, is the application of ion-mask™ on a new field hockey shoe to be worn by Dutch player Teun de Nooijer.

Burley comments: “This is an exciting time for ion-mask™ as we continue to push into other Lifestyle and Accessories markets.”

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Media Contact

Natasha Verniquet [Natasha.verniquet@p2i.com]

Communications Executive

Tel: +44(0)1235 838 715

Paula Averley [Paula@origincomms.com]

Origin Communications

Tel: +44(0)8455 576 736

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, Filtration & Energy and Military & Institutional.

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

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.

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.

About Teckmates

Trekmates is a leading brand of outdoor and adventure travel accessories and clothing.  UK based and family owned since 1997, it is a brand defined by a passion for quality, innovation and value.

About PrimaLoft®

PrimaLoft® insulation was originally developed for the US Army (in the 1980's) as a water-resistant synthetic alternative to down. Today, PrimaLoft® is the research and development leader in high performance insulations and yarns, which provide warmth and comfort from head to toe. Its family of products is manufactured in the U.S., Europe and Asia. The PrimaLoft® brand is recognized globally and is used in leading outdoor and fashion brands, home furnishings, work wear and military applications. For more information, please visit www.PrimaLoft.com