Graphene specialist Directa Plus Plc (LON:DCTA), is to work with Italian workwear group Alfredo Grassi to manufacture a new range of garments using the highly flexible element.
Grassi manufactures customised protective clothing, workwear and uniforms for private and public organisations globally and has been testing graphene its products to see the benefits.
Under the terms of the joint development agreement, the companies will seek to market a range of graphene-based products to existing Grassi customers.
WATCH: Directa Plus boss Giulio Cesareo 'very proud' of Alfredo Grassi collaboration
"We are proud to be collaborating with Alfredo Grassi who have a successful track record of producing clothing that leverages their established heritage combined with the technological advances of their partners," said Giulio Cesareo, chief executive.
"This agreement represents a further expansion of our textile offering as our Graphene Plus (G+) will be utilised to enhance the performance of workwear and protective wear for law enforcement and military forces, which we believe represents a significant market opportunity.
At first, the two firms will look at garments with linings printed with Graphene Plus combined with waterproof, breathable textiles.
G+ graphene is highly thermally conductive, allowing a homogeneous distribution of the heat produced by the human body in cold temperatures and a heat dispersion effect in hot temperatures.
Similarly, it is able to rapidly dissipate antistatic charges and has a bacteriostatic effect whereby bacteria do not proliferate on the fabric.
"As a company that is continually looking for innovative materials, while paying attention to environmental sustainability, we have found an ideal partner in Directa Plus," added Roberto Grassi, chief executive.