NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Omniflex Transport ® & Vacuflex ®
Brand Films Now Available With
Antibacterial Odor Control
GREENFIELD, Massachusetts USA — Omniflex, LLC of Greenfield, Massachusetts USA, today announced the availability of new antibacterial odor control versions of its widely used Transport ® waterproof breathable and Vacuflex ® barrier films. These new films allow designers and laminators to create waterproof-breathable, odor-killing textile composites with a single film lamination. The technology also helps prevent mold and mildew. The result is an economical way to achieve odor control in waterproof- breathable apparel, footwear, workwear, bedding, medical textiles, medical devices, and upholstery.
The company's Transport ® family of products includes waterproof-breathable, windproof films of polyurethane, co-polyester and ether-amide polymers that are laminated to fabrics using all commercial lamination techniques. They are incorporated in a wide variety of applications demanding high moisture-vapor transmission, good drape, quietness, excellent stretch and recovery, and wash durability. Thicknesses from 0.2 to 6.0 mils (5 to 150 microns) are cast onto polyethylene, polyester or paper carriers in widths up to 68 inches (1.727 meters). Mid-performance waterproof-breathable films are extruded without carriers in thicknesses greater than 0.8 mils (20 microns).
The Vacuflex ® family of moldable, lubricant-free, heat-resistant polyurethane barrier films are available in the same dimensions as Transport ®. These films are widely used in the automotive industry for vacuum-formed fabric laminates and foam-in-place applications such as seating, arm and head rests, headliners and trunk liners. Vacuflex ® films are also used in medical devices where a viral barrier, USP Class VI certification or sterilization is required.
The odor control feature is based on new technology from Omniflex's joint venture partner, Etcetera LLC. Etcetera LLC has odor and infection control additives that can be incorporated in films, adhesive systems, yarn or a surface treatment for fabrics. The odor control technology utilizes a variety of silver, copper, blends of each, or proprietary non-metallic additives to meet the particular odor-control needs of a specific apparel application. Unlike other odor-control technologies that absorb or mask odor, the additives incorporated in Transport ® and Vacuflex ® brand films actually kill odor-causing bacteria. The formulation of these films can be tailored to provide slow to fast activation, short to long lasting protection.
Omniflex odor-control films have been tested under AATCC method 100 and AATCC method 147 and found to prevent the bacterial growth that can cause odors; they provide ongoing antimicrobial protection. Additionally, certain versions of these films prevent fungal growth, making them ideal for use in footwear applications.
Performance apparel designers, footwear makers and textile laminators can now utilize Omniflex's widely used, non-PTFE films, and include an odor-control component without changing lamination, cut and sew, seam taping or converting processes.
In the past, odor control had to be achieved in a separate layer. It can now be incorporated in an existing layer to reduce the cost of materials and fabrication. Therefore, this new technology keeps the weight and bulk low in the end product, allowing waterproof-breathable, odor-controlled garments to drape and move more freely.
Omniflex antibacterial odor-control film technology may also be considered as a component in DuPont™ Active Layer for which Omniflex is the global sales agent. Like Omniflex products, the DuPont™ Active Layer manages moisture through an impenetrable yet breathable layer of film that provides superior functional performance.
Since 1994, Omniflex has been a leader in the manufacture of super-thin, high-performance films from thermoplastic polyurethane and other difficult-to-extrude specialty polymers using cast-on-carrier, flat-die and blown film extrusion technologies. The company markets these films worldwide to textile laminators, adhesive coaters, converters, and selected OEMs in the apparel, medical, automotive, industrial and specialty films markets. In addition to a reputation for superior quality, Omniflex has the organization, relationships and expertise to navigate the most complex global supply chains. This includes three new sales offices opened in Asia in 2006. The company can be contacted by surface mail:
Omniflex, Inc., P.O. Box 1167
Greenfield MA 01302 U.S.A.
telephone: (413)772-3773
facsimile: (413)772-1005
e-mail: info@omniflexfilms.com
worldwide web: www.omniflexfilms.com.
Omniflex odor-control films can prevent fungal growth, making them ideal for footwear applications
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Omniflex odor-control films can prevent fungal growth, making them ideal for footwear applications
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