Partners bring more waterproof-breathable options to North America
Italian firm Altexa and Connecticut-based GHS Holdings have together announced the launch in North America of HDry technology for waterproofing outdoor products through direct, 3D lamination of waterproof, breathable membranes.
Altexa’s founder and chief executive, Matteo Morlacchi, has been involved in developing technology of this kind since 2006 when he first created OutDry technology, selling it to Columbia Sportswear in 2010. Mr Morlacchi moved with OutDry to Columbia and worked for the brand for a number of years before launching HDry.
GHS Holdings, a manufacturer and distributor of performance gloves, will spearhead HDry North America. The partners have said the technology’s entrance into the North American market will mean “more options for brands looking for a partner in the creation of high-performance, waterproof technology”. They said HDry will work in gloves, footwear and backpacks.
It works by applying a waterproof breathable membrane directly to the inner side of the outermost layer of the material used to make the product. It uses a patented 3D lamination process that is seamless and tapeless. Altexa argues that direct lamination of the membrane eliminates drawbacks associated with other “free-hanging” glove and shoe inserts on the market and offers “a higher performance solution that cannot be matched by traditional waterproof systems”.
