“We solve the problem, we don’t just provide a certifcation.” The ability to develop specifc tests, in line with customer needs, is one of Coats Opti’s main strengths.
Functionality, top-notch performance, aesthetic care, utmost compliance with the strictest specifcations in terms of safety and environmental protection: these are just some of the distinctive features of the products designed and manufactured by Coats Opti, a group that boasts over 250 years of experience, a global sales network and a varied product offer.
A wide choice of yarns, fnishes and zippers designed for different sectors, including fashion and safety footwear. The use of cutting-edge technologies and the skill of experienced technicians allow the group to develop not only items, but also tests and trials conceived to meet the specifc needs of each customer. Sandro Cavriani, Commercial and Marketing Director of Coats Italy Zip Division, explained in detail the commitment of Coats towards the safety sector and made an overview of the services the company provides to its customers.
Sandro Cavriani
Among other felds, Coats Opti zippers are also used in the safety footwear sector. What are the main requests you receive from companies under the technical point of view? This sector is controlled by very strict protocols and regulations. As for zips, fame-retardant products are normally required, both with the spiral and in metal. In addition, all components, including zippers, must comply with SATRA standards.
What are the standards required by the SATRA regulations? This regulation is the result of both theoretical observations and real feld tests. As a matter of facts, this private body’s technicians make their great experience available, focusing on application aspects that go beyond the classic laboratory tests, also taking into consideration extreme and non- standard conditions. This led them to redefne some tests: a really important commitment that resulted in much more severe tests and signifcantly higher specifcation values.
One of Coats Opti’s strengths is certainly its fexibility, its ability to meet customer needs, not only in terms of product, but also of services. Exactly. We always deal with customers, we collaborate with them in order to develop customized tests on the specific needs of each of them. Thanks to our workshop and in-house research and development division, we are able, on the one hand, to replicate the tests developed by other brands and companies, tests designed to solve certain problems encountered in the application of the customer’s products: in this case, these are really special tests that apply to that specific company only.
On the other hand, we are able to encode tests and create tools designed to meet the needs of customers who do not comply with a particular specification: our task is to translate these problems, these experiencesinto numbers, and to find an adequate solution. As a matter of fact, we don’t just supply a product featuring certain certifications, we are really committed to solving the problem.
From this point of view, dialogue with customers is essential: you must always listen to their feedbacks.
In this context, your R&D workshops play a key role. They represent the real keystone. As far as the zips are concerned, all the projects are checked by our headquarters in Codroipo, even if the specific product is developed in another plant abroad. The in-house workshop, the research and development divisions, the quality control team: they are all essential for us.
Speaking about zippers, what are some of the most interesting models? Our offer is really wide and we guarantee different customization options, both for the textile and the metal part, in terms of materials, dimensions, colors and galvanic treatments. A special mention goes to the Opti S HydroS, whose look is very classic, but boasts water-repellent features, suitable for outdoor activities. The HydroF, on the other hand, stands out for its polyurethane film. Equally interesting are the Flame Ward and Flame Master models: the first is flame-retardant, therefore designed to give the wearer the opportunity to take off the garment before it is on fire, while the second is flame-resistant. These are two zips made of completely different treatments and materials.
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Fame-retardant Flame Master
Opti Hydro S
