The Year Ahead
ECOPAK™ Technology meets the Outdoors
Sustainability in the outdoor industry jibed in a new direction in 2021. Challenge Outdoor was born with the mission to create fully-recycled technical textiles that reduce carbon emissions and remove plastic bottles from our beaches - over 20 bottles per yard!
In our first full year of business, we've been humbled by the support of brands and outdoor enthusiasts across the world. The outdoor environment sustains our well-being; it is our imperative to do the best we can to love it back.
The First Fully-Recycled Outdoor Line of Fabrics
We have developed over 100 new ECOPAK™ products which contain recycled plastic bottles (PET) repurposed into polyester film and fiber. These materials are laminated into composite fabrics, using our proprietary adhesive which does not contain toxic solvents or VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds). Others laminate with solvent-based adhesives along with energy-intensive drying ovens. They may claim to be 'carbon neutral' by buying carbon-offsets after polluting; Challenge has taken the progressive step of eliminating harmful chemicals from the start!
As polyester film is the building block for most sailcloth and outdoor laminates, we created Challenge RUV™ - the first 100% recycled PET film that is 97% UV resistant. Challenge RUV™ lasts 5 times longer in the sun than conventional film used in other fabrics - a big breakthrough in extending performance. And to top is off, our fluorocarbon-free C0 DWR is better for people and planet. After 35 years of weaving, coating, and laminating, Challenge is still moving full speed ahead!
ECOPAK™ ULTRA™ Reached the Highest Summits
The Challenge ULTRA™ line of fabrics is composed of the highest performing Ultra-PE (non-branded Dyneema® or Spectra®) composite fabrics in the world. In 2022 we're excited to introduce ULTRA™ 100 and an improved ULTRA™ 800 Black Magic.
ULTRA™ 100 Storm Grey: The Ultimate in Ultralight pack fabric - at less than 3 oz, it has double the tear strength and double the abrasion resistance of 500d Cordura® which weighs in at about 9 oz.
ULTRA™ 800 Black Magic: Doubling the denier of 400d gives ULTRA™ 800 the strength to go the distance in the most demanding packs and duffels. We increased the weave density of ULTRA™ 800 White, and upgraded the fiber to Black, for a burly fabric that should never wear out!
This year, stay tuned as we continue to expand into new product categories using ULTRA™ fiber in unique ways.
New Fabric Offerings for February 2022
This month we're excited to introduce 7 new colors, plus ECOPAK™ Hybrid Heather in two weights:
EPX70HH - Hybrid in Charcoal Heather: Tightly woven Hybrid of 70d recycled polyester and nylon with unique Heather look. Special Liquid Crystal Polymer coating for excellent abrasion resistance.
EPX400HH - Hybrid in Heather Grey: Tightly woven Hybrid of 400d recycled polyester and nylon with unique Heather look. Special Liquid Polymer coating for amazing abrasion resistance - 15,000 cycles on the Taber abrasion test!
We now have full stock of 7 new colors in EPX200: Fuchsia, Golden Dazy, Green Mountain, Lilac, Pink Flamingo, Red Barn, and US Navy.