MORRIS TOWNSHIP, N.J., July 22, 2014 – Honeywell (NYSE: HON) announced today a new brand licensing program to help fishermen ensure they are purchasing fishing line containing genuine Spectra® fiber.
Under the program, fishing line brands can recognize Spectra fiber as a valuable differentiator and the best and most trusted material for their products, and license the Spectra trademark. In turn, they will guarantee that 100 percent of the high-molecular-weight polyethylene (HMPE) fiber used in their braided fishing line is genuine Spectra fiber, and undergo periodic quality control tests by Honeywell to ensure the use of genuine Spectra fiber. A “Spectra by Honeywell” logo at the top left-hand corner of a fishing line package will indicate inclusion in the program.
“The strength of the Spectra brand has inspired more and more imitators over the years, resulting in products leveraging variations of the Spectra name and claiming to contain Spectra fiber when they may not,” said Mark Saholsky, global business manager for Honeywell’s Advanced Fibers and Composites business. “We value our trademark and will act accordingly to protect our brand. Going forward, anglers can be certain that products showcasing our licensed trademark and logo are certified by Honeywell to contain 100 percent Spectra fiber and have passed stringent quality testing.”
Spectra fiber, which is pound-for-pound 15 times stronger than steel but light enough to float, enables the development of stronger, more durable and more sensitive braided fishing lines so fishermen can cast more easily and hold onto prize catches. Fishing line containing Spectra is four times stronger than nylon fishing line of a similar diameter, and is highly resistant to chemicals and damaging ultraviolet light. All Spectra products exhibit outstanding abrasion resistance, which enables a longer life for Spectra-based braids.
Benefits for participants in the Spectra Brand Partner Program include authorized use of the Spectra logo, inclusion on the all-new, consumer-facing spectrafishing.com, trade marketing support, trademark enforcement and access to new fiber technology. Anglers can easily find products containing Spectra fiber when they see the Spectra logo.
Spectra fiber is made from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene using a patented gel-spinning process. Industrial applications for Spectra fiber include security netting, rope, cordage, and fishing line, as well as curtains designed to protect windows and doors during hurricanes. The fiber is also commonly used in bullet-resistant armor.
Honeywell maintains an active Spectra fiber and ballistic materials research program focused on continuous improvement and development of high-performance materials.