Arclin and KINETIXX have expanded their exclusive partnership to introduce Kevlar EXO aramid fibre technology into additional consumer product applications worldwide. Announced on November 9, 2026, the agreement extends KINETIXX's global exclusivity rights for unidirectional (UD) composite applications to hard luggage, structural bicycle components and footwear, including fashion shoes, sports footwear and work boots.
The collaboration builds on an agreement established in January 2025. It combines Arclin's Kevlar EXO aramid fibre with KINETIXX's proprietary resin chemistry, UD prepreg development and hybrid composite manufacturing processes. The partners aim to develop lightweight, high-strength composite structures for products requiring structural integrity, durability and design flexibility.
Kevlar EXO is Arclin's advanced aramid fibre technology, offering approximately 40% greater strength-to-weight performance than conventional Kevlar K29 fibre, along with improved flexibility and energy absorption. These properties provide opportunities to develop products that reduce weight while maintaining mechanical performance and resistance to demanding operating conditions.
KINETIXX contributes expertise in multi-axial UD composite engineering and specialized processing methods. Its proprietary resin systems and hybrid manufacturing technologies are designed to address challenges associated with integrating aramid fibres into composite structures, particularly resin adhesion, interlaminar shear performance and compatibility with high-modulus carbon fibre materials.
The expanded agreement is expected to support the development of composite solutions across several consumer markets. In luggage, the materials could enable lightweight and durable structural components. Bicycle applications will focus on structural components, while footwear development will explore the use of advanced composites in products designed for different performance and durability requirements.
“What began as a successful collaboration in sporting goods has grown into a broader opportunity to bring Kevlar® EXO™ technology to new consumer applications,” said Bradley Bolduc, Chief Executive Officer at Arclin. “KINETIXX has demonstrated how innovative composite design can translate the unique performance advantages of Kevlar® EXO™ into products consumers can experience firsthand, and we’re looking forward to exploring new markets and applications together.”
Jason Horodezky, CEO and CTO of KINETIXX, said, “This expanded agreement marks an important milestone in our collaboration with Arclin. Arclin’s Kevlar® EXO™ represents a significant advancement in aramid fiber technology. At KINETIXX, we’ve invested decades in developing proprietary systems and processes that allow us to integrate advanced materials into highly engineered, commercially viable products. By expanding our exclusive rights into additional global markets, we’re collectively creating opportunities for manufacturers to achieve performance characteristics that conventional materials and construction methods cannot easily deliver.”
KINETIXX's vertically integrated manufacturing model includes in-house development of UD prepreg materials and proprietary composite processing technologies. The expanded partnership will use these capabilities to support product development and commercialization with manufacturers and OEM partners across the newly covered application segments.
Source: Arclin | News
