Super Stain-resistant

The Age

Wednesday March 15, 2006

DAVID ADAMS

WITH a name that's taken from kryptonite - the only thing that can weaken Superman - textiles designer and manufacturer JR Weave has launched a new range of Crypton fabrics capable of resisting liquid spills that it hopes will be used in homes and cafes.

Colin Hirschman, general manager of JR Weave, part of the JR Group, says Crypton fabrics were invented in the US several years ago but until now have been mainly used in the health-care sector. "What I wanted to do . . . is to bridge the gap between commercial and domestic fabrics," he says.

"We've found in the past that for many years you could spot a commercial fabric straightaway or a domestic fabric and you could never use the one in the other place."

Mr Hirschman says JR Weave's range of Crypton fabrics are textured with a softer feel for use in hospitality or the home. "You might have a sofa at home, and with kids running up and down and spilling stuff on it, Crypton for the home is actually the perfect thing," he says.

Fabrics are "Cryptonised" through the application of a special backing. However, Mr Hirschman says not all fabrics can go through the process.

JR Weave has released its textured Crypton fabrics in a range called Fifth Avenue that comes in 10 mainly contemporary colours. It plans to release a further range of textured Crypton fabrics - known as Lexington - at designEX in Sydney next month.

The Crypton fabrics are expected to sell for about $58 a metre.

Contacts

JR Weave: Phone 9428 1621

www.jamesrichardson.com.au