• Login
    • Join
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Applications
    • Technology
    • Market
    • Other
    • Top 40
    • Buyers Guide
    • Hygiene Directory
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Applications
  • Technology
  • Market
  • Other
  • Top 40
  • Buyers Guide
  • Hygiene Directory
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Columns
    Digital Edition
    Southeast Asia Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Editorial Guidelines
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Fluff Pulp Market Faces Year of Transition

    Roofing & Construction Report

    Investment Continues for Needlepunch Nonwovens

    Sustainability Report

    Spunmelt Nonwovens Update
    Company Cameo
    Financial News
    Machinery Equipment
    New Products
    Nonwovens News
    Patent Review
    People in the News
    Supplier News
    Top News
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Freudenberg to Present Battery Pack and Liquid Absorbers at Battery Show

    The Honest Company to Sell Diapers, Wipes at Walmart

    Thinx Launches Moist Panties Campaign

    Weekly Recap: Ontex Confirms Possibility of Attindas Deal, Purell Launches New Wipes & More

    EDANA Celebrates 50th Anniversary
    Nonwovens Insights
    Online Exclusives
    Adult Incontinence
    Absorbent Core
    Antimicrobials
    Apparel
    Automotive and Transportation
    Face Masks
    Chemicals / Adhesives
    Construction
    Contract Services
    Diaper, Baby
    Electronics
    Feminine Hygiene
    Fibers
    Filtration
    Flame Retardance
    Geotextile / Agrotextile
    Home Products
    Hygiene Film/Components
    Industrial / Institutional
    Inspection / Quality Control
    Machinery and Equipment
    Medical
    Wipes

    The Honest Company to Sell Diapers, Wipes at Walmart

    Thinx Launches Moist Panties Campaign

    Vegeto Turns Milkweed Fibers into Nonwovens

    INDA Names Three Finalists for WOW Innovation Award

    Proof Launches Reusable Period Products in Walmart Stores
    Air Through Bonding
    Airlaid
    Carded/Carding
    Chemical Bonded
    Composite
    Meltblown
    Needlepunch
    Nanotechnology
    Spunbond
    Spunbond/Spunmelt
    Spunlace
    Thermal Bonded
    Wetlaid

    Executive Talks: 5K Fibres' President Doug Brown

    Borealis, Grabher Partner to Recycle Face Masks

    Glatfelter, Blue Ocean Closures Receives Sustainability Award at IDEA22

    Investment Continues for Needlepunch Nonwovens

    Murtra Nonwovens
    China
    Eastern Europe/Russia
    India
    Middle East/North Africa
    North America
    Pacific Rim
    South/Central America
    Turkey
    Western Europe

    Sub-Saharan Africa’s Specialist Nonwovens and Fibers Capability is Growing Steadily

    Southeast Asian 5 Nonwoven Capacity and Demand Development

    Chinese Baby Diaper Brands

    Retail Disposable Hygiene in Southeast Asia and China: Growth Outlook, Challenges, Opportunities

    Albarrie Installs Stenter
    Associations
    Contracts / Awards
    Education
    Facilities / Capacity
    Green / Sustainability
    Legal / Regulatory
    Market Data
    Flushability
    Mergers and Acquisitions
    Product Improvement / Innovation
    R&D/Basic Research
    Shows / Events

    Vegeto Turns Milkweed Fibers into Nonwovens

    Rif care Launches Hemp-Based Period Products

    Boots to Prohibit Sale of Plastic-Based Wipes

    Dyper Partners with rePurpose Global to Remove Nearly 100,000 KG of Plastic Waste from Environment

    Borealis, Grabher Partner to Recycle Face Masks
    Chart
    Companies
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Profiles
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Bast Fibre Technologies Inc.

    Alliance Machine and Engraving

    Investkonsult Sweden AB

    Robinson, Inc.

    Schott & Meissner Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH
    Brands
    Brand Owners
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • Southeast Asia Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Company Profiles
      • Add Your Company
    • Applications
      • Absorbent Core
      • Adult Incontinence
      • Antimicrobials
      • Apparel
      • Automotive and Transportation
      • Chemicals / Adhesives
      • Construction
      • Contract Services
      • Diaper, Baby
      • Electronics
      • Feminine Hygiene
      • Fibers
      • Filtration
      • Flame Retardance
      • Geotextile / Agrotextile
      • Home Products
      • Hygiene Film/Components
      • Industrial / Institutional
      • Inspection / Quality Control
      • Machinery and Equipment
      • Medical
      • Wipes
      • Face Masks
    • Technology
      • Air Through Bonding
      • Airlaid
      • Carded/Carding
      • Chemical Bonded
      • Composite
      • Meltblown
      • Needlepunch
      • Nanotechnology
      • Spunbond
      • Spunlace
      • Thermal Bonded
      • Wetlaid
      • Spunbond/Spunmelt
    • Market
      • China
      • Eastern Europe/Russia
      • India
      • Middle East/North Africa
      • North America
      • Pacific Rim
      • South/Central America
      • Turkey
      • Western Europe
    • Other
      • Associations
      • Contracts / Awards
      • Education
      • Facilities / Capacity
      • Green / Sustainability
      • Legal / Regulatory
      • Market Data
      • Mergers and Acquisitions
      • Product Improvement / Innovation
      • R&D/Basic Research
      • Shows / Events
      • Flushability
    • Top 40 Companies
      • Chart
      • Companies
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Hygiene Directory
      • Brands
      • Brand Owners
    • Experts Opinions
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Whitepapers
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
      • Live From Asian Connections
    • Jobs
    • Resources
      • Suppliers Gallery
      • Literature Showcase
      • Web Showcase
      • Home Page Showcase
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Features

    The Protective Apparel Market

    Manufacturers offer new solutions to improve worker safety across many industries.

    The Protective Apparel Market
    The Protective Apparel Market
    Norafin’s spunlace materials are used in firefighter uniforms and workwear for other dangerous environments.
    The Protective Apparel Market
    In the right combination, Freudenberg’s comfortemp AIR provides sufficient warmth and comfort in temperatures as low as -40°C.
    Related CONTENT
    • DuPont
    • 2020 A Good Year for Nonwovens, Mainly
    • Freudenberg Performance Materials
    • Norafin Wallcoverings Use Flax
    • DuPont Celebrates 50 Years of Tyvek
    Tara Olivo, associate editor03.27.17
    In the protective apparel market, nonwovens continue to play an instrumental role by providing qualities such as comfort, breathability, high tensile strength, fire retardancy and water resistance. Nonwovens make up the barrier layer to protect medical professionals who may be exposed to blood borne pathogens, trained professionals who run the risk of chemical exposure or first responders who are exposed to hazardous materials and conditions.

    OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which is part of the U.S. Department of Labor, defines personal protective equipment, commonly known as PPE, as equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses, which could result from contact with chemical, radiological, physical and other workplace hazards. Nonwovens help manufacturers of protective apparel meet these needs. 

    According to a recent report from market researcher MarketsandMarkets, the global market size of the protective clothing market was $7.33 billion last year, and it’s expected to register a CAGR of 6.3% through 2021. During the forecast period, the researcher projects that the healthcare/medical market will be the fastest-growing end-use industry for protective apparel. Growth drivers in this market include increased personal safety awareness and government regulations to increase worker safety.

    Serkan Gogus, CEO of Turkish nonwovens producer Mogul, agrees that new environmental regulations are driving growth and says that new requirements for PPE are also driving the market.

    For protective apparel, Mogul’s latest launch, Madaline, can be used for medical gowns. Gogus says the substrate inherently provides good barrier properties against microbes and has blood and alcohol repellency, in addition to offering wearing comfort. It can also be a good protective garment for use in industrial environments.

    Madaline is a hybrid mixed microfilament media that features patented bicomponent technology to extrude unique filament designs which are then subject to high pressure water jets which fibrillate, entangle and consolidate the microfilaments into a nonwoven fabric. Similar to a meltblown with the strength of a spunbond, Madaline’s microfilaments are up to 100 times thinner than a human hair and the fabric offers good moisture management, absorbency, breathability and complementary properties of thermal insulation, wind resistance and UV protection.

    “Pore structure and barrier properties that nonwovens offer make them ideal for this application,” Gogus says.

    Nonwoven Novelties
    Norafin, a manufacturer of specialty nonwovens for protective equipment, filter media and composites, supplies its materials to manufacturers of firefighter uniforms and workwear for dangerous environments.

    Most recently the German producer developed a range of durable spunlace nonwovens that answer the market’s needs for a lightweight, reusable, strong and breathable fabric offering improved insulation properties. The proprietary spunlace technology offers advantages such as lower weight variations, superior uniformity of the web, and a structured appearance.

    According to Kerstin Knorr, marketing manager at Norafin Industries, in addition to these attributes, the company’s latest range also offers better wash shrinkage and gives an optimal ratio between thermal performance, weight, and comfort. Further, specific materials have been developed to withstand high abrasion, as well as 100 washes, and still deliver the expected protection.

    Andy Schuffenhauer, R&D project manager, Norafin, says spunlace is often used as a thermal liner or moisture barrier in a firefighter’s uniform. This moisture barrier and thermal liner account for up to 70-75% of the protective gear’s thermal protection performance. “Thanks to the proprietary texture and surface of the spunlaced nonwoven adopted within the fabric, the product provides a 10-12% higher TPP rating compared to other competitive materials in the market,” he explains. “It’s thanks to the superior uniformity of the web as well as its proprietary surface and texture that the overall weight of the final garment can be reduced leading to improved comfort.”

    In support of this market, Norafin recently confirmed expansion plans to build its first North American manufacturing facility. Located in Henderson County, NC, Norafin (Americas) Inc. began construction on a 75,000 square foot building in Mills River, representing an $18 million investment. The new facility will serve the North American protective apparel market, Knorr says, and it will allow the company to better serve existing clients, penetrate new markets, and provide a solid platform for continued future growth. Operations are expected to begin by the end of the year.

    For years, Freudenberg Performance Materials (FPM) has been developing comfortemp thermal insulation, a wadding range of advanced technology insulation layers that combine comfort with high thermal insulation properties.

    “They provide excellent protection against cold conditions and offer maximum comfort and easy processing at the same time,” says Dr. Frank Heislitz, CTO, Freudenberg Performance Materials.

    FPM’s comfortemp AIR fabrics are voluminous nonwoven thermal insulation materials designed for high durability, superior warmth retention and excellent wearing comfort. In 2013, Heislitz says the company tested comfortemp AIR successfully for a Russian customer at temperatures of -40°C. “The test proved that the material perfectly copes with the demands of such extreme conditions, thanks to its multi-layer construction,” he continues.

    Made with 90% rPET fibers, the material upholds its durability after repeated laundering—machine washable at 60°C—with no clumping.

    Meanwhile, FPM’s comfortemp PROTECT line is a voluminous fire-retardant thermal insulating nonwoven made for increased protection against heat and flames in cold conditions for workwear applications. According to Heislitz, benefits include limited flame spread without emissions and flaming debris thanks to a low-burning fiber blend, excellent thermal insulation, soft hand-feel and processing, and also excellent durability after repeated washing.

    Comfortemp PROTECT materials are used for workwear in utilities, electrical maintenance, oil and gas and other industries where workers are exposed to accidental fire risk.

    “Customers are looking for workwear that provides a high level of protection for their employees and excellent comfort at the same time,” Heislitz says. “Superior-quality materials and new solutions in garment design are also increasing freedom of movement in protective apparel. This added functionality and ease of use is a significant factor in the growth of the protective apparel market.”

    Leading the Way
    DuPont is a leader in the protective apparel market, producing its own nonwoven—its flashspun Tyvek—as well as the finished protective apparel product.

    Engineered for protection, durability and comfort, Tyvek protective apparel protects workers against small size hazardous particles—even as little as one micron in size—such as lead, asbestos and mold. Made without films or laminates, Tyvek suits are use in industrial environments including manufacturing and automotives, as well as for paint applications, where its ultra-smooth surface can repel low concentrated inorganic liquids and aerosols and discourages solid particles from adhering.

    A recent development from the Wilmington, DE-based company is the Tyvek 800 J, a new Type 3 liquid-tight garment for personal protective apparel. Designed for use in industrial cleaning applications, such as pressure washing and tank cleaning, petrochemical installations and environmental remediation, Tyvek 800 J is a limited-se chemical protective coverall offering the combination of durability and lightweight comfort in environments that require chemical, liquid and/or oil protection. The garment also offers resistance to pressurized jets of low-concentration, water-based, inorganic chemicals.

    “Tyvek 800 J was developed to offer superior protection with the freedom of movement and durability wearers of Tyvek expect,” says Dave Kee, North America marketing manager, DuPont Protection Solutions. “The garment is further enhanced by a streamlined fit with an integrated hood and closures at the wrists and legs for ease of donning and doffing. The garment design also features distinct orange taped seams to provide color contrast.”

    Another major manufacturer in the market is Kimberly-Clark Professional, which makes comfortable and durable protective clothing, from cleanrooms to chemicals plants. Recent new product introductions include various components of protective apparel.

    The new Kimtech Pure A5 Sterile Elasticized Hood helps prevent gaps in respirator coverage by offering an uninterrupted seal and customized fit for anyone wearing a full-face respirator. It works with many respirator styles and brands and is ideal for small faces, according to the company. Features include a stretch fit elastic hood and opening, tunneled overseams to prevent particle shedding and Clean-Don technology ties for easy donning and a more secure fit.

    New Kimtech Pure A7 Ankle High Shoe Covers protect the shoelace area, closing a potential contamination gap that is not addressed by traditional shoe covers. More than a shoe cover but less than a boot, Kimtech Pure A7 Ankle High Shoe Covers deliver a higher barrier of liquid protection and superior grip. Benefits include: two elastic bands for enhanced fit and coverage, easy donning and doffing and bulk packaging availability.  

    Another new innovation is the Kimtech Pure A4 Sleeve Protector, which provides an additional layer of protection between gloves and lab coat sleeves to help keep workers and the workplace safe through advanced barrier protection and shields that person and the garment from hazardous chemicals and biologics. This reduces the risk of exposure and contamination. The product is ideal for situations where full coverage isn’t required, but full protection is. Features include reinforced seams, advanced battier fabric protection, ease of use, range of sizes, thumb loops for full wrist coverage and bulk packaging.

    On the medical side, Halyard Health, the former Kimberly-Clark Healthcare, which spun-off from Kimberly-Clark in 2014, manufactures nonwoven surgical gowns, drapes, masks and apparel. Halyard’s Mike Tuck, vice president, Global Product Supply, says nonwovens provide protection from liquids while remaining breathable. “These fabrics are ideal for use in hospitals because they provide a higher level of protection and enhanced sterility over cotton, linen, and paper-based products.”

    Halyard’s new Aero Chrome Performance Surgical Gown uses the company’s proprietary Cool Shield Core technology fabric that’s light, protective and tear resistant, providing a full range of motion without ripping or tearing to ensure clinicians have the necessary level of perioperative protection for the toughest procedures. Further, a unique, breathable back panel maximizes airflow through the surgical gown, and the Aero Chrome fabric allows moisture vapor to escape while providing a high performance barrier.
    Related Searches
    • tyvek
    • spunbond
    • components
    • protective apparel
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Apparel
    Suggested For You
    DuPont DuPont
    2020 A Good Year for Nonwovens, Mainly 2020 A Good Year for Nonwovens, Mainly
    Freudenberg Performance Materials Freudenberg Performance Materials
    Norafin Wallcoverings Use Flax Norafin Wallcoverings Use Flax
    DuPont Celebrates 50 Years of Tyvek DuPont Celebrates 50 Years of Tyvek
    Healthcare Seminar Scheduled for Wednesday Healthcare Seminar Scheduled for Wednesday
    A Home Run for Nonwovens A Home Run for Nonwovens
    INDA Announces WOW Innovation Award Finalists INDA Announces WOW Innovation Award Finalists
    Nonwovens in Construction Nonwovens in Construction
    What do Shower Curtain Rods, Fast Food and Incontinence Products Have in Common? What do Shower Curtain Rods, Fast Food and Incontinence Products Have in Common?
    Fis Fiber Industries Fis Fiber Industries
    Diversey Care Expands Disinfectant Wipes Range Diversey Care Expands Disinfectant Wipes Range
    Saudi Diaper Maker Takes Over Old K-C Site in Spain Saudi Diaper Maker Takes Over Old K-C Site in Spain
    Freudenberg Adds Super-Microfilament Textiles to Evolon Range Freudenberg Adds Super-Microfilament Textiles to Evolon Range
    Freudenberg Launches Enhanced Evolon Website Freudenberg Launches Enhanced Evolon Website

    Related Content

    • DuPont

      DuPont

      ...
      09.02.21

    • 2020 A Good Year for Nonwovens, Mainly

      2020 A Good Year for Nonwovens, Mainly

      ...
      Karen McIntyre, Editor 08.31.21

    • Apparel | Filtration
      Freudenberg Performance Materials

      Freudenberg Performance Materials

      ...
      Sabine, Duttenhofer 05.28.19


    • Norafin Wallcoverings Use Flax

      Flax fibers can create wall coverings that offer good and natural indoor climate while also offering insulation properties
      05.09.17

    • Apparel | Construction | Medical
      DuPont Celebrates 50 Years of Tyvek

      DuPont Celebrates 50 Years of Tyvek

      Flash-spun material is commonly used in construction, protective apparel and healthcare applications
      04.06.17

      Breaking News
      • 'Right' Hygiene Conference to be Held in June
      • Freudenberg to Present Battery Pack and Liquid Absorbers at Battery Show
      • H&V Appoints Vice President and General Counsel
      • The Honest Company to Sell Diapers, Wipes at Walmart
      • Jim Cree Joins Monadnock Nonwovens
      View Breaking News >
      CURRENT ISSUE

      May 2022

      • Fluff Pulp Market Faces Year of Transition



      Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
      You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

      • About Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms And Conditions
      • Contact Us

      follow us

      Subscribe
      Nutraceuticals World

      Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

      Bilberon Bilberry Extract Receives U.S. Patent For Eye Strain, Neck/Shoulder Pain
      Jordan Process Receives Nutrasource ICAP Certification for CBD
      FDA Warns About Steroids or Steroid-Like Substances in Bodybuilding Supplements
      Coatings World

      Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

      Award for Sustainability: Evonik Receives EcoVadis Platinum Rating Again
      HMG Paints Gets Their Running Shoes On
      AGM Secures Exclusive Distribution Agreement with Indian Partner Imkemex
      Medical Product Outsourcing

      Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

      Medical Device Connectivity Market to Grow 10-Fold by 2031
      Robocath Presents Results from R-Evolution Clinical Study
      Medtronic's Resolute Onyx Drug-Eluting Stent Shows Success for Left Main PCI
      Contract Pharma

      Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

      BioMoti Partners with Pharma Company to Develop Ovarian Cancer Treatment
      AGC Biologics Expands Capabilities at North America Campus
      WCG Appoints Sam Srivastava CEO
      Beauty Packaging

      Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

      Lush Cosmetics Launches ‘Gay is OK’ Soap
      Mielle Organics Welcomes Steve Pamon to Advisory Board
      Makeup Revolution Expands into Walgreens
      Happi

      Latest Breaking News From Happi

      Croda Supports 2022 IFSCC Congress with Platinum Sponsorship
      Revolution Beauty Expands Makeup Revolution Into Walgreens
      Barentz Develops Electronic Personal Care Product Guide
      Ink World

      Latest Breaking News From Ink World

      Award for Sustainability: Evonik Receives Platinum Rating Again
      Nazdar Ink Technologies to Showcase Latest Ink Innovations at FESPA Global Print Expo 2022
      Epson Introduces First Direct-to-Fabric Printer for North America
      Label & Narrow Web

      Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

      EyeC unveils revamped website
      Grace Imaging gets boost from GM finishing equipment
      In-Mold Decorating Association announces 2022 IMDA Awards Competition
      Nonwovens Industry

      Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

      'Right' Hygiene Conference to be Held in June
      Freudenberg to Present Battery Pack and Liquid Absorbers at Battery Show
      H&V Appoints Vice President and General Counsel
      Orthopedic Design & Technology

      Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

      Cionic Expands Scientific Advisory Board
      First Surgeries Performed Using Globus Medical's Excelsius3D
      Envista To Acquire Osteogenics
      Printed Electronics Now

      Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

      Wiliot Launches Battery-Assisted Version of its IoT Pixel Tags
      From Phygital to Virtual IDs
      Zebra Technologies Board Approves Additional $1 Billion Share Repurchase

      Copyright © 2022 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

      AD BLOCKER DETECTED

      Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
      Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


      FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login