HELLO, ALLBIRDS!

We’re very happy to continue tuning our materials to fit your needs. The samples in the box sent to you on March 12th, 2024 have demonstrated improved color-fastness characteristics and hydrolytic stability. Below is a description of each sample, along with our internal hydrolysis test. We hope these hydrolysis results will be similar to the results found in your factory, and we will work with you to continually improve our materials to ensure that your specifications are met. 

THE SAMPLES IN THIS BOX 

This box contains four samples of “Hydrolysis 1” material (A, B, C, D --> all same material but different patterns), two samples of “Hydrolysis 2” material (A, B --> all same material), and two smaller experimental samples of “Hydrolysis 3” material (A, B --> two different materials): So, 8 samples in total. 

SAMPLE DESCRIPTION 

Hydrolysis 1 / CloudHug: These samples were made with one of Simplifyber signature formulations, which is suitable for soft, lightweight, and flexible materials. They were treated with a biobased and free-from-organic-solvents polyurethane coating that delivers high flexibility & light fastness, as well as good abrasion resistance, mechanical stability, and film color, clarity, & gloss. *Note that A and B were pressed with a miniHex pattern, C was pressed with a larger hex pattern, and D was pressed with a polka dot pattern.* 

Hydrolysis 2 / FlexiJump: These samples were made with another signature formulation, which is suitable for lightweight flexible materials. The base material is the same as you received in November, labeled as SF#1. However, we modified the coating to mitigate the yellowing observed during your hydrolysis testing. They were treated with our biobased polyurethane coating. 

Hydrolysis 3 / Duralyte: This formulation is under experimental development and has shown good mechanical performance for light and flexible materials. They were treated with a waterborne synthetic polyurethane-based coating that delivers hydrolysis resistance, high elongation, good adhesion to a plastic matrix, and flexibility. 

SIMPLIFYBER HYDROLYSIS TEST 

Figure 1 shows the results of our in-house hydrolysis test. We exposed the samples to elevated temperature & humidity for 7 days and compared their color before and after. There is a substantial improvement in the color fastness of these new samples compared to the original samples that we had sent you.  

Figure 1: Test Samples ‘Before’ & ‘After’ Hydrolysis Test