Oct 10, 2017

IDEAL Fastener Licensed to Produce the First High-Performance, Bleach-Cleanable Zipper

Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, the maker of Sunbrella® performance fabrics, has agreed to a licensing partnership with IDEAL Fastener Corporation, one of the world’s largest zipper manufacturers. The partnership has given way to the first high-performance, bleach-cleanable zipper for marine environments, launching at IBEX, September 19-21 in Tampa, Florida.

“The introduction of Sunbrella Performance Zippers is a significant accomplishment for the marine industry,” said Bill McDaniel, marine market manager for Glen Raven. “Never before has a zipper performed at the level required for the harsh environments boaters experience day in and day out, making their lives on the water easier and more comfortable.”

Sunbrella Performance Zippers feature tape made using 100 percent Sunbrella fibers, giving them the inherent performance characteristics of all Sunbrella textiles – UV and fade resistance, mold and mildew resistance and bleach cleanability – while the specially-designed WX zipper teeth keep wind and water out. The line also features IDEAL’s patented QRX technology for quick release with one easy motion – well suited for marine applications with large or difficult areas such as boat covers and windows. The zippers are backed by performance guarantees for UV stability and bleach cleanability, and the combined design and performance characteristics together increase the life span of the zipper.

“We are thrilled to have partnered with Glen Raven to develop a premium zipper for the marine industry,” said Steven Gut, co-president at IDEAL. “When brainstorming how to develop the world’s best zipper for this market, we knew we needed something innovative that would create value for the end user. Sunbrella was the perfect product for us and Glen Raven has been a great company to work with on this project.”

The line is being offered in eight colors – Antique Beige, Black, Cadet Gray, Captain Navy, Charcoal, Pacific Blue, Terracotta and White – that can be mixed and match for different tape and teeth combinations, allowing zippers to be incorporated as a design element, rather than a commodity.