Gale fabrics and shades protect people, assets

The benefits of heat reduction, ultraviolet (UV) protection and energy cost savings are rolled into one end-product with advanced polymer fabrics. Gale Pacific, the Australian enterprise that pioneered shade-cloth knitting technology in the 1970s, made sun protective fabrics a household name worldwide with its retail brand Coolaroo. It plans to make its Synthesis range of advanced polymer fabrics the standard for exterior shading and asset protection in agriculture, construction and mining in Asia.

With products tested in Australia's harsh climate, Gale easily makes the case for its technology. Shade sails and awnings made of Gale knitted shade-cloth reduce heat by up to 30 per cent in outdoor areas such as playgrounds, courtyards, sporting facilities and car parks. Its broad range of knitted and coated polymer fabrics, made of UV-stabilised polyethylene and polypropylene, are engineered for heavy-duty industrial and commercial uses, providing weather protection and energy cost savings with their heat reduction properties. In agriculture, Gale fabrics protect against weather extremes, including sun, hail and wind, and provide improved growing conditions and crop yields.

"We are committed to sustainability. Most of our polymer-based fabrics are fully recyclable," says Peter McDonald, Gale's CEO. "Many of our products are guaranteed to last for more than 10 years. This quality assurance is hard to match in the industry."

Hefty investments in research and development and continuing collaboration on practical needs drive Gale's innovations. Its products are designed to withstand either intense heat, such as in the Middle East, or the European chill.

The right combination of polymers and coating ensures stability under sustained UV exposure. Welded edges provide durability with tear and flex cracking resistance. Equipped with two of the world's most technologically advanced coating and knitting manufacturing plants, Gale customises fabrics for vast industry needs.

With manufacturing facilities in Beilun, China since 2005, Gale will scale up in Asia with more distribution channels. It is eyeing industry-specific partners to expand in the region.