Henri-Lloyd launches supporters’ gear for INEOS Britannia

As official performance clothing partner for INEOS Britannia, Henri-Lloyd has launched its range of limited-edition supporters’ clothing which is available online and from Henri-Lloyd stores in Cowes, Salcombe and Dartmouth. INEOS sponsors the UK challenger for the America’s Cup and is a global chemical company manufacturing petrochemicals, speciality chemicals and oil products via its 36 businesses (with 194 sites in 29 countries).

Featuring the INEOS Britannia logos in navy with orange trim, Henri-Lloyd’s offering includes on the water, and onshore, clothing and accessories.

The supporters’ range includes the Mav Light Jacket which retails at £250. It’s made from recycled polyester. Then there’s the Aktiv Stretch, billed as a mid-layer piece, which has thermal insulation to manage heat and cold, and is made from recycled fabrics. It retails at £125.

Supporter polos and t-shirts are made from 100 per cent organic cotton and come in white and navy in unisex sizes. They retail at £85 and £65 respectively. There’s also an Elevated Sweat Shirt in navy (£100) and a cap or sun hat for £35.

“One of the mainstays during my career has been Henri-Lloyd,” says Sir Ben Ainslie, INEOS Britannia’s team principal and skipper (pictured below). “They have proven themselves to be at the forefront of performance and innovation.

“INEOS Britannia is taking on the challenge of a lifetime as we aim to win the oldest trophy in modern sport, we’re excited that with 60 years of experience producing the best performance sailing clothing in the world, Henri-Lloyd will again support us as we push the boundaries of what is possible.”

Graham Allen, as CEO of Henri-Lloyd (which recently appointed VDM-Reya as its exclusive distributor in France), was at the forefront of the INEOS Britannia relationship. “When you race at the limits of what is possible, you need protection and performance that delivers,” says Allen. “We understand the importance of marginal gains, every stitch, every seam is critical, there is no room for error, if the kit fails, it impacts not only the performance of the athlete, but their safety as well. Six decades of proven experience and innovation at Henri-Lloyd has enabled us to create a range of products to test the boundaries of design and engineering as we support INEOS Britannia to make history and win the oldest trophy in modern sport.”

INEOS’ chairman, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, says his petrochemical and other businesses are developing roadmaps to deliver net zero emissions across all operations by 2050, while remaining profitable and staying ahead of evolving regulations and legislation. “Based on the roadmaps developed to date, we have set a reduction target of 33 per cent by 2030,” he says.

But according to Client Earth’s greenwashing files , INEOS has been criticised by campaigners for spending $400 million on various sport enterprises to establish an image that has little to do with its ‘inherently polluting business’.