Applied to textiles at the mill, OmniBloq is designed to deliver highly durable, stormproof water-repellence that does not compromise fabric hand, garment design, wearer comfort or breathability. “An ideal DWR against even the harshest rainstorms and squalls, OmniBloq has been engineered to keep the rain off, and get the sweat out, without the bulk or stiffness of a laminate,” the company explains.

Developed in Bolger & O’Hearn’s North American labs and introduced to global markets at Winter Outdoor Retailer 2018, fabrics treated with OmniBloq readily meet or surpass AATCC Rain Test 35-2013, according to the manufacturer. Lightweight, yet stormproof, OmniBloq is suitable for performance fabrics for different forms of sportswear, including ski wear, athleisure wear and outerwear, as well as tents, backpacks and other outdoor gear. In addition to being waterproof yet highly breathable, OmniBloq is recyclable, non-PFOA and provides protection against oil and stains.

“OmniBloq is a real breakthrough in the Stormproof/Breathable fabric category,” said Shaun O’Hearn, president of Bolger & O’Hearn. “There is really nothing like it on the market. Raising performance standards and reducing your environmental impact does not usually go hand-in-hand but OmniBloq delivers on both fronts. With OmniBloq, you get Stormproof/Breathable performance without all of the resources associated with laminated fabrics. This is an amazing achievement.”

Global performance brands and the US military have already begun adopting OmniBloq as the DWR of choice for their next-generation product launches, the company reports.

OmniBloq is the most recent chemistry developed by Bolger & O’Hearn. From its traditional beginnings – serving the textiles industry – the company expanded into paper coatings, nonwovens and other non-textile manufactured products, all of which find applications in a wide range of industries.

Many of its products use the most environmentally-compliant materials and technologies available. Most are water-based, and Bolger & O’Hearn strives to continually improve the health, safety and environmental profiles of the chemistries it develops. Today its diverse and comprehensive product line – totalling over 2,500 products – is sold and distributed globally.

www.bolgerohearn.com