Versarien deal brings graphene to Middle East textiles market
ADVANCED engineering materials company Versarien has announced a new partnership with a Dubai-based sports and leisurewear manufacturer.
The Gloucestershire-based business creates products using graphene, a material made from a single layer of carbon atoms, for the automotive, clothing, biomedical and aerospace sectors.
The AIM-listed company has recently begun collaborating with international brands, including fashion label Superdry and the kit suppliers of the England rugby team Umbro.
Versarien, which was founded in an engineer’s garage in Cheltenham and has a dedicated manufacturing facility in Longhope in the Forest of Dean, has now struck a deal with apparel company OG Classic.
The partnership will see grapheneNATIONWIDE enhanced fabrics emerge into the Middle Eastern market, with Versarien’s technology featuring in a line of the manufacturer’s garments.
Versarien said the formula applied to the clothing - which it has trialled with researchers at the University of Gloucestershire - will enable wearers to experience enhanced thermal transmittance as well as increased moisture management and drying rate.
Chief executive Neill Ricketts said: “Graphene-Wear is the next generation of sportswear technology developed by Versarien Plc, utilising the Nobel Prize-winning advanced material graphene.
“Independent research has highlighted Graphene-Wear’s superior thermal and moisture management properties for optimal sports performance. Now, OG Classic is bringing this wonder material to the Middle East. Graphene-Wear will soon be the garment technology of choice across the Middle East and beyond.”
Simon Lewis, managing director at OG Classic, added: “We are incredibly excited to be working with Versarien on our enhanced textiles line with their innovative graphene technology. This technology integrated into our sports, corporate and leisurewear portfolio will lend well to our customers who always require increased performance and comfort.
“This innovation enabled us to think about the future of fashion, and we are looking forward to seeing how graphene and our partnership with Versarien can unlock this.”
Versarien said in May it was in ongoing discussions with garment suppliers, when a set of interim results for the year ending March 31 revealed “significantly reduced” losses following operational expansion and high profile deals.
Reported loss for the period stood at £5.20m, down from £8.07m in 2021, while group revenues from continuing operations rose by a third to £7.63m from £5.69m a year earlier.