The latest Navy Blue Cordura TrueLock fabric offered by Pennsylvania-based HLC Industries, a long-term supplier of Cordura advanced fabrics that debuted at the January 2023 Shot Show, leads the brand’s next generation of solution-dyed nylon 6,6 (SDN) colors and expands navy color options into military, tactical and law enforcement applications.

Cordura TrueLock fabric is engineered with high-tenacity nylon 6,6 multi-filament fiber that locks in the color at the molten polymer extrusion level through the entire fiber structure, offering color fastness, UV-fade and abrasion resistance, extended UV strength stability, and lasting color vibrancy. Color consistency is necessary when pairing fabric with other materials, including webbing and elastic, to create uniform garments and gear.

A summary of the fabric’s benefits include:

  • Resistance to abrasion, tear and tensile strength;
  • Dye lot to dye lot and multi-component color consistency (fabric, webbing, cordage, and trims);
  • Locked in color that resists “frosting” under abrasion testing;
  • Dull matte appearance;
  • Inherent low NIR reflectance;
  • Resists color loss after UV exposure or washing;
  • Retains strength after extended UV exposure; and
  • 100 percent high tenacity nylon 6,6 filament fiber

Compared to conventional level acid piece dyeing to SDN, the process uses less water, energy and emits fewer greenhouse gases*.

“Throughout our 55-year brand journey, we’ve worked to establish a foundation built on durable and long-lasting fiber technologies, including our legacy of solution-dyed, high-performance nylon 6,6 offerings. As we advance on this journey, we continue to invest and expand our capabilities to include solutions that are not only durable but step lighter on the path to sustainability”, explained Cindy McNaull, brand business development director.

“The launch of our latest Navy Blue Cordura TrueLock Fabric is a testament to the strength of supply chain collaboration between Invista and HLC Industries—together listening to the voice of our customers, identifying unmet needs, solving problems, and inventing cutting-edge solutions designing with true purpose,” explained Tina Rogers, Cordura strategic military account manager.

HLC Industries Marnie Landau, executive vice president added, “Navy Blue is one of the most commonly used colors in law enforcement, military, tactical, and workwear applications. This new addition to the Cordura TrueLock Fabric portfolio offers shade uniformity across the components of apparel and gear and durable enough to stay true after exposure to the elements and intense military/outdoor missions. Partnering with the Cordura Advanced Fabrics team to develop a crucial high tenacity, solution-dyed nylon 6,6 navy blue offering was a natural choice.”

“The launch of Cordura Navy Blue TrueLock fiber is a major milestone for Invista’s Camden, SC facility, which we have expanded with new equipment in recent years to increase U.S. capacity of high-tenacity, nylon 6,6 specialty fibers for Military, Tactical, Law Enforcement, Workwear and Outdoor end-uses,” explained Erik Walker, global military segment leader. “Together with HLC Industries, we are dedicated to meeting the evolving needs in critical protective applications such as ballistic vest covers, bags, packs, and outerwear.”

In addition to Navy Blue, Berry Compliant Cordura TrueLock Fabrics are available in Desert Sand, Tan-499, Coyote-498, Ranger Green, Camo Green-483, Wolf Gray, and Black**.

For more product information, go here. 

Photo courtesy Invista

*2013 LCA study based on the average comparison of conventional level acid piece dyeing to SDN at three independent, third-party dyeing and finishing mills. 

 ** Numbers denote U.S. Military color specification.