First commercial application of Nexar

"With the launch of Columbia Sportswear's latest cooling technology, the first commercial application of our Nexar specialty polymer technology has been achieved," said Holger R. Jung, Kraton's Vice President, Sales and Marketing. "As a leader in the performance apparel industry, Columbia Sportswear is known for pioneering the use of new and innovative technologies in its products. Our Nexar polymer technology possesses unique performance attributes which we believe make it ideal for use in performance apparel," Jung added. "We believe that Nexar also has application in humidification and dehumidification and water management processes, and we look forward to announcement of additional commercial applications for Nexar in the future."

Nexar is based on sulfonated block co-polymers; it features a nonporous membrane technology allowing for substantial moisture vapour and water transport rates. The polymers offer selective permeability, which allows water to pass through while blocking potentially harmful chemicals. They can also be formed into nonporous membranes and can be processed using existing equipment. Kraton says that the polymers are ideal for a variety of applications including performance fabrics, capacitive deionisation, humidity control, and energy recovery ventilation.

The outdoor apparel and product manufacturer Columbia Sportswear North America Inc. markets advanced cooling and sweat activated cooling fabrics and clothes under the brand names Omni-Freeze and Omni-Freeze Ice.The company was founded in 1938.