Aussie Belles perform with Zena Vest made by MAS Holdings

The impact protection wear is manufactured using Reaction Injection Molding Technology (Impact 360 by Silueta) and Silicone Flocking.

The product innovation aligns with MAS’ commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, protecting athletes especially in sports such as goalball, which increases the possibility of accidental contact. Research carried out by the University of Deakin’s Centre for Sports Research indicates that Zena Z1 absorbs up to 70 per cent of impact energy, indicating significant protection to female athletes against rib and breast injuries, a common occurrence in many sports, MAS Holdings said in a media release.

The product enables a high level of protection and faster post-game recovery without compromising on comfort and mobility, while also maintaining its ergonomic appeal. Being ultra-lightweight, the protective vest can be worn for long periods, while its excellent fit due to contouring and flexibility also ensure that it stays in place. It is already used for more than 20 sports, including Australian football, rugby, goalball, skiing, handball, basketball and several combat sports.

Zena Z1 is the only protective garment approved for game day use by the Australian Football League (AFL) and the Women’s Basketball League in New Zealand and Australia.

In developing the protective vest, Silueta collaborated closely with the founders of Zena Sport, Brad and Donna Johnson, who recognised the need for an advanced protective vest for female athletes competing in the AFL. Having understood the significant physical implications of impact sports due to their personal involvement with the AFL, Brad and Donna Johnson realised that female adolescents faced many rib and breast injuries that go unreported, despite their impact at a critical stage of physical development. The Zena Z1 protective wear, manufactured by MAS Holdings using two patented technologies, plays a critical role in minimising this impact.

The product also enjoys a favourable environmental footprint. The Reaction Injection Molding Technology used by MAS has less energy consumption than other comparable techniques, helping to reduce the product’s carbon footprint, while the patented rim technology helps reduce landfill waste, compared with traditional technologies.

The product innovation is a testament to MAS’ expertise in innovative, applicable sports products, and showcases their expansion into manufacturing impact protection wear for leading global brands. It also shines a light on the company’s long-term commitment towards female empowerment and inclusivity, the release said.

“Providing necessary protection for female athletes to perform at their best while assuring minimal challenges, is something we are passionate about. It has been great to find a partner like MAS, whose product and tech capabilities have helped us bring this dream to life,” Brad Johnson from Zena Sport said.

Commenting on the innovative protective vest, CEO of MAS Silueta, Ranesh Handunnethi stated, “We are proud to support Zena Sport in empowering the ‘Aussie Belles’ goalball team at the upcoming Paralympics with one of our newest products – the Zena Impact Protection Vest. Empowering women and promoting inclusivity are two of our foremost priorities and key tenets that power our drive for innovation. The Zena protective vest is a prime example of an innovative solution born out of this focus and is another step forward in our long-term value creation journey.”

MAS Silueta specialises in apparel ‘design-to-delivery’ and uses Impact 360 by Silueta, a patented technology and the licenced Silicone Flocking technology to create modern wearable apparel that improves the performance of its wearers. Some of the more well-known products released as part of MAS Silueta’s innovation drive include the Canterbury headguard, and the Zena Sport range, alongside a various of innovative intimate wear products.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)