Versarien’s graphene inks used in Umbro kits
Graphene-enhanced inks engineered by UK-based supplier Versarien are to be printed onto the inside of several garments by fellow British activewear, sports shoe and equipment brand Umbro, as part of its spring-summer 2023 Pro Training Elite kit collection.
The proprietary formula, called Graphene-Wear, has been designed to provide increased thermal transmittance and moisture management qualities, the two companies said, along with an improved drying rate.
In addition to undergoing multiple wearer trials alongside University of Gloucestershire researchers, the ink used also adheres to the Manufacturing Restricted Substances List guidelines issued by industry group Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals.
Having worked together on several projects since 2018, the release of the kits will mark the first time an Umbro-Versarien collaboration has reached the market.
Describing how the partners had undergone “a long experimentation phase” with the novel technology, head of global product at Umbro, Colin Lomas, stated that application of Graphene-Wear inks to the brand’s kits would mark “another major step forward” in product innovation terms.
Chief executive at Versarien, Neill Ricketts, added that his team was “very excited” about the Umbro tie-up and, praising Graphene-Wear’s performance and comfort “benefits”, said that the firm was looking forward to the resulting products reaching customers at retail.
Learn more about the potential of Versarien’s graphene portfolio for textile and sportswear applications in WSA magazine here.
