Information management, brand identification and solution-enabling products company Avery Dennison recently launched its new ComfortTag heat transfers that meet salt and chlorine durability requirements established by the American Association of Textile Chemists & Colorists. ComfortTag enables companies to identify goods, including swimwear items, without inconsistency. In independent testing conducted by Philadelphia University, ComfortTag heat transfers passed AATCC Test Methods 162-2002 (Colorfastness to Water: Chlorinated Pool) and 106-2002 (Colorfastness to Water: Sea).

In 2005, ComfortTag passed AATCC’s Test Method 61 for withstanding 50 launderings, as well as separate tests for withstanding dry cleaning, and enzyme and pumice (rock) stone washing. ComfortTag has also been test-proven to be free of formaldehyde. According to the company, no other heat transfer on the market at present has been reported to have passed this battery of tests.

What this means is that marketers can now convey brand on swimwear and water activewear with heat transfers that have passed every major test for durability and retention of image quality,” said Mark Hansinger, Retail Information Services marketing director – Apparel Labelling.

ComfortTag heat transfers can be supplied fully pre-printed with logos, graphics and variable data for application with most heat transfer bonders. They can also be supplied partially pre-printed for on-site printing of variable data and subsequent bonding. A variety of security technologies are also available with the heat transfers to combat diversion and counterfeiting.