Zotefoams plc, a world leader in cellular materials technology, has entered into an exclusivity agreement with design and technology company, Design Blue Limited (‘DBL’) in relation to a newly launched foam material, developed in partnership with DBL, for high-performance impact protection solutions for the defence and law enforcement sectors.

For the first time, Zotefoams’ ZOTEK NC, a closed cell, crosslinked, lightweight high-performance, nylon-based foam, will be designed into D3O’s highly effective body armour and ballistic helmet liner systems – offering high levels of impact protection at very light weight.

Unlike conventional manufacturing methods, Zotefoams’ innovative three stage autoclave process uses only temperature, pressure and inert nitrogen as the expansion medium. With the absence of chemical foaming agents, this is one of the most environmentally friendly foam production methods and results in materials that are extremely durable, notably pure and consistent and compared to foams produced by other methods.

Regarded as world leaders in impact protection, DBL designs and manufactures high-performance, shock absorbing and ballistic solutions under the D3O and Delta Three Oscar brand, producing solutions for global customers that include the US Department of Defence, Harley Davidson, Fox and Adidas. As well as being used by Formula 1 and NASCAR race teams, D3O materials can be found throughout a wide range of categories including sports, electronics, motorcycle, automotive, defence and law enforcement.

David Stirling, Zotefoams Group CEO, comments, “We are delighted to announce our partnership with DBL, who will harness the exceptional performance benefits of Zotefoams’ high-performance material to revolutionise personal protection for those working in defence and law enforcement. This partnership perfectly aligns with our purpose of creating optimal material solutions for the benefit of society.”

Stuart Sawyer, DBL CEO, comments, “This partnership enables D3O to take another step towards our vision of saving lives. By combining D3O’s strengths of protecting people, with Zotefoams’ unique technology, we are introducing a new era of ultra-lightweight, environment-stable ballistic protection that will re-define the industry standard of protection.”

For more information, please visit www.zotefoams.com.