GE is collaborating with Kolon Fashion Material (KFM) on a wide range of membranes that KFM will use in laminate production to supply the Republic of Korea Military and the consumer market.


The collaboration is part of GE’s strategy for its eVent fabrics waterproof/breathable product line. The alliance will allow customer brands to pair proven GE membranes with a wide range of laminates and fabrics to create unique apparel, footwear and accessories.


KFM, based in Gwacheon, will supply the South Korean Military with uniforms featuring waterproof breathable membranes from GE laminated to KFM fabrics. In addition, KFM has combined GE membrane technology with their own proprietary lamination technology to create neoVENT-F, a waterproof breathable fabric for the domestic Korean consumer market and global outdoor brands.


“GE has a proven track record supporting products used by militaries from around the world, and this collaboration with KFM continues that long history of success,” said Glenn Crowther, product line leader for eVent fabrics at GE. “As a leader in the Korean fabrics industry, KFM is an excellent company to take full advantage of products using our membrane technology, both in military programs, and with new outdoor programs.”


Since its founding in 1957, KFM has been supplying fabrics, fibers and other textiles to a wide range of clients. The company is a leader in both the nylon and polyester fiber industries and the fabrics industry in South Korea.


Since 1999, eVent fabrics have set the standard for truly air permeable and waterproof membranes in textiles. The patented 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 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, medical, industrial, apparel, and other markets. 


GE, through GE Energy’s Environmental Services business based in Kansas City, Mo., manufactures both the eVent membranes and fabrics, and collaborates with worldwide suppliers to offer a broad selection of textiles to manufacturers.