Getting to Know Yann Jaquet, X-Pac® Sales Manager, Dimension-Polyant

1. What is your role at Dimension-Polyant and how does your work support the X-Pac® brand?

I am the Sales Manager for X-Pac® fabrics at Dimension-Polyant. My role focuses on supporting our current X-Pac® customers with their projects and product development, identifying win-win opportunities for growth, and building new partnerships with brands that want to push the limits of performance materials. Part of my work is also helping brands elevate their products by transitioning into the world of high-performance technical fabrics.

2. What excites you most about joining the X-Pac® team and the technical fabrics industry?

I am excited to be part of a team that sets the benchmark for innovation in the technical fabrics industry while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability. The opportunity to work with brands that design high performance gear for real world adventures is particularly inspiring.

3. Can you tell us about your professional background and the path that led you to Dimension-Polyant?

I spent more than 25 years on the B2B side of the jewelry industry with companies such as Golay-Buchel, Signity, and Swarovski, supplying precision cut gemstones, created stones, and pearls to designers, manufacturers, and jewelry brands around the world. Interestingly, I once worked on a project exploring the application of Swarovski® flat back crystals, crystal transfers, and fabric embellishments on X-Pac® materials. That project introduced me to the brand and I immediately became fascinated by the engineering behind it.

4. What unique skills or perspectives do you bring to your role at X-Pac®?

For more than two decades, I supported the distribution of premium European products and services across markets in North America, Latin America, and Asia. I bring experience working closely with brands and distributors to deliver premium products and create strong end consumer experiences. My not-so-secret weapon is that I believe work relationships should also be enjoyable. I like to bring a positive mindset and a sense of humor to the partnerships we build.

5. What trends are you currently seeing in the outdoor gear, carry goods, and performance materials industry?

Consumers want high performance, durability, and weather resistance without sacrificing design. Multifunctional products and sustainable materials are also key trends that will continue to shape the outdoor and carry goods industry. At the same time, consumer electronics become a bigger part of everyday life including smartphones, laptops, cameras, and drones, people expect their gear to provide better protection for valuable equipment.

6. From your perspective, what makes X-Pac® fabrics unique compared to other technical materials on the market?

From my perspective, the difference is similar to the experience between a regular steak and a AAA grade steak. Both may be called steak, but the premium version delivers a level of consistency, performance, and quality that you immediately notice. X-Pac® fabrics are built the same way. They are precision engineered multilayer laminates designed to deliver predictable strength, structure, weather resistance, and long term durability. It is not just another fabric. It is a purpose built technical material where every layer serves a specific function.

7. What are you most looking forward to when working with brands that design products using X-Pac® fabrics?

What I look forward to most is seeing how brands translate the engineering behind X-Pac® materials into finished products. It reminds me of a luthier building a precision instrument. Every layer and detail is engineered for performance, but the real magic happens when a musician brings it to life. In the same way, at Dimension-Polyant we engineer the structure and durability within the material, and designers transform that foundation into products that showcase its full potential. Seeing that transformation and ultimately seeing consumers appreciate the performance and reliability of those products is incredibly rewarding.

8. Do you have a favorite X-Pac® fabric so far? What makes it stand out to you?

I do, but it is one that will be launching very soon, so I will have to keep the details under wraps for now. What I can share is that it is extremely lightweight while offering exceptional strength, and it is designed for some of the most demanding environments. Stay tuned.

9. If you could design any product using X-Pac® materials, what would it be?

I would design a multi sport duffel backpack for adventure travel, something versatile enough to transition between different outdoor activities and environments.

10. Outside of work, what are some of your favorite hobbies or activities?

I am definitely an outdoors person. I especially enjoy mountain biking, motorcycle riding, and sailing.

11. What inspires you professionally or personally?

I am inspired by high performing individuals and teams who push boundaries while staying true to their core values.

12. What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I own several guitars but I still cannot play a full song.

13. Where is your favorite place to spend time when you are not working?

I love spending time at home with my wife and kids.

14. First concert you ever attended?

Guns N’ Roses.

15. Last book, podcast, or show you enjoyed?

I am currently reading Homme libre… by French sailor Olivier de Kersauson, written during one of his attempts to win the Jules Verne Trophy.

One of my favorite shows is Long Way Round with Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman.