Flame resistant fibres, fabrics and apparel: designed for comfort, performance and style

Flame resistant fibres, fabrics and apparel: designed for comfort, performance and style

Frequent exposure to flames and intense heat poses significant risks for employees working in a number of industrial sectors, including chemicals, construction, fire safety, oil and gas, and utilities. The importance of flame resistant fibres, fabrics and apparel for these workers, therefore, can not be overstated. Great strides are being made in enhancing the performance and durability of flame protective wear, and these strides are having a positive impact on the health and safety of wearers. Also, the comfort of protective wear is being improved greatly as a result of fabric innovations—demonstrating that fire protection and high levels of comfort are no longer mutually exclusive. These innovations, along with the introduction of aesthetic features and design elements, have contributed to the more widespread use of flame resistant apparel. In other areas of innovation, a number of major producers of flame resistant fibres and fabrics have made significant progress toward eliminating harmful substances in the manufacture of their products. Some of these producers have been exploring materials which offer enhanced flame resistance while also minimising the adverse impact of such materials on the environment. Other producers have been investing heavily in production processes which are more environmentally sustainable, and they are designing fabrics which are more durable. Notably, as these producers strive to meet growing demand for products which are functional, comfortable and more environmentally sustainable, a spirit of collaboration and idea sharing has emerged in the field of flame resistant fibres, fabrics and apparel.