GE is collaborating with VEGAM-an Italian maker of laminates and fabrics-to bring air permeable and bi-component waterproof footwear fabrics using its award-winning eVent waterproof membranes to the European market.
This new collaboration will allow customer brands to use a wide range of VEGAM laminates combined with eVent fabrics technology to create unique footwear laminates for the European outdoor and professional markets. VEGAM will make both 3-layer and 4-layer footwear laminates using both eVent waterproof and eVent protective membranes. GE’s technology is known for its high level of air permeability combined with 100 percent waterproofness, while VEGAM-based in Northern Italy-is known for technical, high-quality footwear laminates.
“We’ve been looking for a proven technology to pair with our fabrics, and eVent membranes are regarded as the best in the industry for their combination of air permeability and waterproofness,” said Nadir Santagiuliana, R&D Manager for Spac S.p.A. Division VEGAM. “By pairing our footwear laminates with eVent membranes, we can create unique new styles that brands and outdoor enthusiasts are looking for. If you’re looking for high performing products you can find them here.”
The collaboration is part of GE’s strategy for its eVent fabrics waterproof breathable product line, which gives customers the flexibility to pair proven GE membranes with a range of laminates and fabrics. New footwear styles are now available for brands to use.
“Collaborating with VEGAM gives us the ability to create both consumer and professional laminates that meet exacting customer demands,” said Chad Kelly, Global Product Manager for eVent fabrics. “Our proven eVent technology is the perfect addition to their wide range of technical, high-performing footwear laminates. I look forward to introducing new styles that the marketplace is clamoring for.”
About Spac S.p.A VEGAM Division
With more than 30 years of experience, and diverse lamination methods, we offer a wide range of solutions. Our goal is to meet our customers’ needs by developing high performance products. We’re always looking for the best technology and most innovative products. Technical fabrics, felts, foams are basic products we can combine with the eVent membranes for the future of outdoor activities in sport, safety, and professional applications. The possibilities are limitless. For more information, visit www.vegam.it.
About eVent membrane technology and fabrics
The technology used to create eVent membranes was invented in the 1990s to improve the pollutant-capturing performance of air filtration systems and give superior protection to industrial machinery such as gas turbines. EVent fabric membranes-with billions of pores per square inch-are now widely used for filtration, venting and as a waterproof breathable barrier for products used in the automotive, industrial, apparel and other markets.
GE, through GE’s Air Filtration business based in Kansas City, Mo., manufactures both the eVent membranes and waterproof fabrics and collaborates with worldwide suppliers to offer a broad selection of textiles to manufacturers.
