DEFLEXION™ Technology From Dow Corning Now Featured in Select Apparel by Henri Lloyd, Maker of Quality Sailing Clothes and Boating Gear

MIDLAND, Mich., Nov. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Dow Corning today announced that DEFLEXION™ material, a patent-pending protective textile, is being used by market leading marine apparel brand Henri Lloyd in their new range for 2011. DEFLEXION™ technology, a silicone-based material that shields the body from the force of external impacts, will be showcased in the new DECKARMOUR products for SHOCKWAVE sailing gear that were unveiled to the public yesterday in Amsterdam at a Henri Lloyd news conference held during the Marine Equipment Trade Show. This is the first time that sailing clothing has been constructed with internal pockets built to contain a flexible protective material insert.

DEFLEXION was chosen by Henri Lloyd for its protective qualities, durable nature and ability to perform in a wide range of temperatures and varying weather conditions. The DECKARMOUR inserts for SHOCKWAVE clothing will feature DEFLEXION for protection and comfort in the knee, seat and stomach area. The clothing items featured in the SHOCKWAVE line include: Sailing jackets, salopettes, smocks, hooded smocks and shorts.

"We're pleased to offer boating enthusiasts and professional sailors a protective material for their nautical gear that gives them maximum comfort, superior protection and the confidence they need," said Liz Mallen, Business Development Manager with Dow Corning. "DEFLEXION material is designed for these activities because it offers freedom of movement, and performs under cold and warm temperatures and while wet."

"We're thrilled to have DEFLEXION featured in the new SHOCKWAVE range," said Paul Strzelecki, Joint Chief Executive of Henri Lloyd. "The combination of innovative design and technology showcased in these products is sure to set a new standard for excellence in the industry. At Henri Lloyd we pride ourselves in the progressive development of elite performance clothing for sailing, and our collaboration with Dow Corning through the use of DEFLEXION in our new SHOCKWAVE range is a significant landmark in the relentless innovation of our technical sailing clothing."

Henri Lloyd marks another milestone for incorporating DEFLEXION™ technology into active sports gear. DEFLEXION™ technology is currently featured in vests made by RodeoTech for use by rodeo professionals who need comfortable, but powerful protection during rodeo competitions. DEFLEXION™ material has also been featured in jackets and other protective equipment made by Rukka for use by Motorcycle riders.

To see the SHOCKWAVE garments or the DECKARMOUR inserts by Henri Lloyd that feature DEFLEXION™ Technology, please visit www.henrilloyd.com.

About DEFLEXION™ technology from Dow Corning

DEFLEXION™ from Dow Corning (dowcorning.com/deflexion) offers a range of impact-protection technologies that allow for the easy creation of high-performance protective apparel and equipment. DEFLEXION™ technologies focus on providing exceptional comfort, enhanced fit, superior freedom of movement and due to the unique stability of silicones, performance over a broad range of temperatures. Unlike traditional soft armor protection, DEFLEXION™ products are able to achieve high levels of protection, while remaining comfortable and stylish.

About Dow Corning

Dow Corning (dowcorning.com) provides performance-enhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs of more than 25,000 customers worldwide. A global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology and innovation, Dow Corning offers more than 7,000 products and services via the company's Dow Corning® and XIAMETER® brands. Dow Corning is a joint venture equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning, Incorporated. More than half of Dow Corning's annual sales are outside the United States.

About Henri Lloyd

HENRI LLOYD - Intelligent Innovation

British specialist clothing brand Henri Lloyd was founded in Manchester, England in 1963 by Mr. Henri Strzelecki. The family run company is widely regarded as one of the market leaders in technical sailing and lifestyle apparel having pioneered the development of fabrics, garment design and products for over 45 years.

Henri Lloyd's association with the world's sailing elite including the early pioneers of solo circumnavigation and exploration including Sir Francis Chichester and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, and more recently triple Olympic Gold Medallist Ben Ainslie, has allowed Henri Lloyd to stay at the forefront of intelligent innovation.

Henri Lloyd has a strong international presence and distributes to 41 countries. www.henrilloyd.com.

SOURCE Dow Corning