Decontex joins NFCC National Firefighter PPE Framework for specialist decontamination

by Breaking NewsFirefighting EquipmentPPEProjects

Decontex’s appointment to the NFCC National Firefighter PPE Framework follows a comprehensive evaluation process, in which Decontex achieved an outstanding score of 98.5/100 in the National Fire Chiefs Council’s assessment

Decontex, the Global specialist in the decontamination and maintenance of firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE), has been awarded a place on Lot 9 (Specialist Decontamination) of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) National Firefighter PPE Framework, following a competitive procurement process conducted by Kent & Medway Towns Fire & Rescue Authority on behalf of the NFCC.

The appointment enables Decontex to provide decontamination services for Fire Structural Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Lightweight Firefighting PPE through the national framework.

The award followed an extensive assessment process in which suppliers’ decontamination capabilities were evaluated against technical and quality criteria set by the NFCC. The framework is designed to help fire and rescue services access approved suppliers that meet recognised standards for firefighter PPE maintenance and safety.

During the evaluation, Decontex achieved an outstanding score of 98.5% , earning a weighted result  of 192.50 out of 195.50 and a raw totalscore of 217 out of 220. This  provides independent validation of the quality and reliability of its decontamination service.

Contaminant removal

Decontex is a leading developer of proprietary supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂) decontamination technologies for firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE), combining superior decontamination performance with preservation of protective functionality and environmental sustainability.

The process removes contaminants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals and other carcinogenic residues, from deep within fabric and membrane layers that may not be fully addressed through conventional water-based washing methods.

The technology is designed to preserve the protective performance of garments while operating in line with the decontamination tier of NFPA1850 and BS ISO 23616, the international standard covering the care and maintenance of firefighter PPE.

Decontex is currently preparing to introduce its proprietary supercritical CO₂ technology to UK fire and rescue services through a dedicated PPE decontamination service, with operations scheduled to commence latest in the fourth quarter of 2026.The rollout is expected to provide firefighters with access to specialist decontamination technology aimed at reducing long-term exposure to potentially harmful contaminants encountered during operational duties.

The company said it looks forward to working with fire and rescue services across the UK to support firefighter health and safety through enhanced PPE decontamination.

Holík reflects on Interschutz 2026

by PPE

Interschutz 2026 marked Holík’s first public appearance in its new visual identity.

According to the company, the decision to adopt a bold green color paid off, as the stand was instantly recognisable in Hannover’s packed halls and naturally drew attention.

The rebranding received very positive feedback from partners and long-time customers who know the brand well.

The attendance of Ivo Holík

The company reported that a powerful moment at the trade fair was also experienced by the company’s Founder and Owner, Ivo Holík.

He first attended Interschutz in 2005 with a small table and fourteen glove models.

Twenty-one years later, he stood at the centre of his own 137m² booth, where the company showcased almost complete firefighter protection system from gloves and footwear to its own turnout gear.

“A deeply personal moment for me”

Ivo Holík commented: “I am incredibly proud – not only of how the stand looked, but above all of the entire team.

“Every detail, every meeting, every interaction with visitors showed how far we have come over the years.

“Seeing Holík at this level among the world’s top players was a deeply personal moment for me.”

International visitors

Distributors from all over the world stopped by the stand, including visitors from Europe as well as Australia, Venezuela, Chile, Canada and Taiwan.

The sales team barely had a moment to pause, with the number of business leads climbing to nearly four hundred.

The company said that visitors showed strong interest in the facelifted line of leather gloves as well as the new advanced Marble glove.

In the footwear segment, the Firra model with cut protection and the new low-cut firefighting boot Verra stood out.

The newest addition to Holík’s portfolio – protective clothing – also attracted significant attention.

“The strong interest”

Petr Ovčáček, Sales Director of Holík stated: “We were also very pleased by the strong interest from our domestic market.

“Every Czech firefighter at the stand wanted to see the Czech turnout gear.”

Social media

This was further confirmed by a viral trade fair video featuring Holík Czech ambassador @hasicka_simca, which was viewed by nearly 80,000 people.

The booth also included a media corner with a photo booth and instant photo printing.

Simple idea that became one of the stand’s biggest attractions.

According to the company, a strong role was also played by active social media engagement, with the team sharing real-time updates, reaching over 300,000 cumulative views of content from the Holík stand.

Collaborating German influencers @firecross_ and @sophia_firefighter created such engaging content that German firefighting celebrity Anike Ekina, followed by two million people, also visited the stand and tried on the Vespid gloves.

Another highlight was the company’s appearance at an expert forum focused on wildfire issues.

“The most important moments”

Tomáš Pekař, CEO of Holík commented: “Speaking at the Interschutz Wildfire Forum was one of the most important moments of the trade fair for me.

“It confirmed that our approach – being a partner to firefighters through dialogue – truly makes sense.”

Historical event

Not only in terms of numbers but also from a product perspective, the trade fair was historic for the company.

Holík International presented its first collection of firefighter turnout gear, becoming one of the few manufacturers in the world with in-house development of gloves, footwear and protective clothing under one roof.

“Exceeded our expectations”

“The positive response to our new products exceeded our expectations.

“Besides the turnout clothing, visitors showed the greatest interest in the Firra footwear with the long-awaited Level two cut protection and the technologically advanced Marble leather gloves,” Ovčáček concluded.

Flame resistant fibre protective wear range launched by Lenzing

by Breaking NewsFirefighting EquipmentPassivePPEProductsSafety

Cellulosic fibre specialist Lenzing has launched a new range of Flame resistant fibre protective wear.

The company says its three-tier protective wear offering is a range of hybrid and flame resistant-finished garments, with independent testing indicating lower heat stress than several conventional FR fabric options.

Lenzing’s portfolio is built around LENZING FR and TENCEL Lyocell fibres, positioning the range as a single-source system for manufacturers developing garments for structural firefighting, utilities, oil and gas, welding and heavy industry. The company says the line-up combines inherent flame-resistant, hybrid and FR-finished options so specifiers can match protection levels more closely to operational risk, comfort demands and cost targets.

For the fire and safety market, the most significant part of the launch is the way Lenzing has split its offer into three application tiers. The inherent protection tier, based on LENZING FR blended with aramid, is aimed at the highest-risk environments including structural firefighting and electrical utilities.

A hybrid tier using TENCEL Lyocell A100 with modacrylic is positioned for oil and gas, industrial workwear and high-visibility applications, while the flame resistant-finished tier is targeted at steel, welding and metalworking where lower-cost protection remains a priority.

A central claim in the launch is wearer performance under thermal strain. Lenzing cited independent physiological testing at 35°C showing that garments containing LENZING FR/aramid blends produced a 29% lower rise in core body temperature than flame resistant-treated cotton (0.75°C vs 1.05°C), and lower readings than both 100% aramid (1.05°C) and modacrylic/cotton blends (1.1°C).

“For too long, the protective wear industry has relied on a one-size-fits-all fibre approach, yet a structural firefighter and a welding technician face fundamentally different risks,” says Alexander Gstettner, Global Commercial Director, FR fibres at Lenzing. “With PFAS regulations accelerating and workers operating in increasingly demanding thermal environments, we see a clear need for a more structured approach.”

Alongside performance, Lenzing is pushing the sustainability case for its cellulosic. |The company claims that dope-dyed LENZING flame resistant fibres eliminates additional dyeing processes, enabling up to 50% reductions in energy and water use and up to 60% lower carbon footprint compared to conventional dyeing.

FlamePro to provide life-saving kit to fire services

by Breaking NewsHealth and SafetyPPEProductsProjects

East Yorkshire-based firefighter PPE manufacturer FlamePro has been awarded a place on the UK’s National Firefighter PPE Framework, overseen by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), to supply life-saving kit to fire services.

FlamePro has been named on six lots within the framework, covering both its structural firefighter and lightweight firefighting PPE.

Tony Arnett, FlamePro’s Managing Director, said: “Our selection for this framework will widen our customer base in the UK significantly, and enable us to help more fire and rescue services protect their crews when called out on life-saving operations.”

The company’s structural firefighter kit is strong, but lightweight, and provides crews with maximum protection, while also ensuring comfort and fit, and is suitable for fire crews engaging in complex, lengthy search and rescue missions, as well as responding to road traffic accidents.

Through the framework, fire services can either purchase PPE or have a fully managed service for the term of the contract, with the latter seeing FlamePro also manage the cleaning and maintenance of clothing.

FlamePro has teamed up with workwear laundry service provider CLEAN to offer fire services a hassle-free, swift and efficient kit maintenance experience.

One of the reasons FlamePro was named on the framework was the company’s development of its comprehensive asset management app, FlamePro Central, which is said to enable fire services and other customers to track each individual piece of clothing and kit.

Kit will be provided with a built-in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip, which ensures fire services have real-time visibility of the location of items of clothing and kit. For example, if kit is sent for cleaning, the fire service will receive notifications when individual garments are in transit, at the cleaning facility, and being returned.

Fire services will be able to use the app to check kit returns at the station after a callout, reducing the risk of items being lost or misplaced. It also means fire services have a complete record of how many times each piece of kit has been cleaned, so they know accurately when a garment has reached the end of its life.

The National Firefighter PPE Framework will run for eight years, with FlamePro selected for all six lots the business tendered for.

Ballyclare selected as preferred supplier on National Firefighter PPE Framework

by Breaking NewsHealth and SafetyPPEProducts

National Firefighter PPE Framework appointment sees Ballyclare chosen across multiple PPE and service categories for UK fire and rescue services

Ballyclare has been selected as a preferred supplier on the National Firefighter PPE Framework, a new procurement initiative designed to provide modern firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) and related services to the UK’s approximately 50,000 firefighters.

The National Firefighter PPE Framework, managed by the Kent and Medway Towns Fire and Rescue Authority, aims to streamline procurement processes for fire and rescue services while providing access to high-quality PPE ensembles and maintenance services.

Following a competitive tender process that included technical assessments, cost evaluations and practical user trials, Ballyclare secured selection across several categories, including Managed Services, Structural Firefighting PPE, Lightweight Firefighting PPE, Structural Firefighting Boots, and Cleaning and Maintenance.

The company’s submission included a next-generation version of its Xenon structural firefighting ensemble, designed to provide protection during structural firefighting operations. The ensemble incorporates a three-layer fabric construction, reinforced elbow and knee protection, and fire-retardant phosphorescent tape intended to improve visibility in low-light environments. The garment has also been engineered with durable seams, stitching and fabrics to withstand operational demands and repeated cleaning cycles.

Also selected under the framework was Ballyclare’s newly developed lightweight hybrid jacket and trouser ensemble for technical rescue and wildland firefighting applications. The garment is designed to meet the relevant EN standards for both operational environments and features flame-retardant fabrics intended to provide protection against blood-borne pathogens, chemicals and particulates while maintaining wearer comfort.

Through the framework, Ballyclare will additionally supply two fire boot models from its Tuffking range, which are used by fire and rescue services across the UK.

The company will also provide cleaning and maintenance services through the framework, offering a seven-day turnaround service for the collection, cleaning, repair and return of firefighting kit. Ballyclare said the service will be delivered in partnership with a professional cleaning provider operating facilities at multiple locations across the UK.

Philip Tasker, Global Sales Lead for Fire & Security at Ballyclare, said: “We are delighted that our services have been selected through such a competitive process and that our kit has been recognised for its technical performance, wearer comfort and overall value for money. Our success reflects the strength of our product innovation, our deep understanding of the fire sector, the agility of our company as a UK-based SME and the expertise of our teams across design, manufacturing and service delivery.

“Ultimately, this is about making sure the UK’s firefighters have kit they can trust when it matters most, and we’re proud to be delivering that on a national scale.”

The framework is intended to simplify procurement for fire and rescue services while ensuring access to compliant PPE and support services through approved suppliers. Ballyclare’s appointment positions the company to support fire and rescue organisations across the UK through the framework’s procurement structure.

HAIX launches two products at INTERSCHUTZ 2026

by PPEProducts

HAIX has revealed its next generation of firefighting boots at INTERSCHUTZ 2026 alongside the new FIRE EAGLE 3.0.

According to HAIX, the FIRE EAGLE features the brand new ‘OneTouch’ closure system and the FIRE EAGLE 3.0 EXG.

Under the guiding theme “United by Fire”, HAIX will launch the two new product innovations at its stand at INTERSCHUTZ in Hall 15, stand H47.

All good things come in 3.0

With the FIRE EAGLE 3.0, HAIX presents the third evolution of one of Europe’s most successful firefighting boots.

Developed with extensive practical experience from fire departments around the world, the company said the new generation combines the boot’s proven strengths with innovative technologies for even greater speed, comfort and safety.

Decades of expertise

When the alarm sounds, every second counts.

That is why the development of the new FIRE EAGLE 3.0 focused on one core aspect: maximum operational readiness in the shortest possible time. 

With the new OneTouch closure system, the boot can be closed and securely fastened with a single movement, saving valuable time, when every second counts.

The lacing system is also automatically stowed away, quickly, intuitively and reliably delivering a perfect fit every time.   

In addition to the new closure system, the FIRE EAGLE 3.0 features numerous further improvements, including: an optimised last shape for an even better fit, a robust 3D rubber toe cap for abrasion protection, enhanced visibility through reflective elements and an adaptive heel construction for greater stability and comfort.

HAIX added that it is certified to the highest standards, it fulfils all requirements for modern firefighting and technical rescue operations. 

Empowering firefighters worldwide

With the FIRE EAGLE 3.0 EXG, HAIX and GORE-TEX are delivering the next step in innovation.

The new model uses the innovative GORE-TEX EXTRAGUARD upper material technology, specifically developed to permanently reduce water absorption. 

The firefighting boot with GORE-TEX EXTRAGUARD is noticeably light, even when wet. 

At the same time, the company said the material provides high robustness, reliable flame resistance and maximum protection in combination with the proven GORE-TEX inner technology. 

Less weight means greater mobility, reduced fatigue and consistently higher performance, especially during long and physically demanding operations. 

Passion meets experience

For decades, HAIX highlighted that it has consistently focused on the needs of professional, industrial and volunteer fire departments as well as special forces around the world.

Close cooperation with users forms the basis of every product development.

Real-life challenges lead to solutions that set international standards. 

Whether protection against heat and flames, ergonomic fit, reduced weight or faster operational readiness, the new FIRE EAGLE 3.0 models exemplify how HAIX combines technological innovation with craftsmanship perfection, the company added.

“We support you”

Michael Haimerl, CEO of HAIX commented: “We give everything so firefighters can continue to give everything in the future.

“This ambition drives us every day in research, development and production.

“That is why the global firefighting community looks to our products and why we focus heavily on actively shaping this role as an innovation leader.” 

“With the FIRE EAGLE 3.0 EXG, HAIX once again demonstrates its ambition to identify technological developments at an early stage and, together with strong partners, translate them into practical innovations for emergency responders. 

“We do not develop our products for firefighters – we develop them with them. For us, INTERSCHUTZ is far more than just a trade fair.”

Haimerl continued: “It is the place where the international firefighting community comes together with HAIX.

“That is exactly what our motto United by Fire stands for: solidarity, passion and the shared ambition to improve every single day.

“You give everything, every single day and we support you.

“The next generation of our firefighting boots demonstrates exactly how we translate this promise into real innovation,” he concluded.  

Meeting HAIX at INTERSCHUTZ

Together with around 150 employees from all over the world, HAIX is transforming its INTERSCHUTZ stand into a meeting place for the international firefighting community.

Visitors in Hall 15, Stand H47 can expect a comprehensive programme featuring product innovations, in person meetings and numerous opportunities for professional exchange.

Rescue Intellitech launches Solo Rescue Plus

by PPEProducts

Rescue Intellitech has revealed the launch of the Solo Rescue Plus at Interschutz 2026 in Hannover.

According to the company, the new machine succeeds the widely deployed Solo Rescue in PPE decontamination for fire and rescue services.

Building on the Solo Rescue, the new system is designed to make systematic, compliant post-incident decontamination the operational standard, directly addressing the occupational health crisis of firefighter cancer.

Exposure control

The International Agency for Research on Cancer, the WHO’s cancer research body, classifies firefighting as a Group 1 carcinogen, with contamination routinely travelling from the fireground to stations, vehicles and homes.

Solo Rescue Plus offers purpose-built exposure control, making thorough decontamination fast, consistent and achievable after each incident, Rescue Intellitech added.

“More efficient than our current ones”

Phill Hall of RSNV Fire Academy, Sweden, a Solo Rescue user since 2013 stated: “The new machine is more efficient than our current ones.

“Most gear gets clean after only six minutes and for the really dirty ones a 12-minute programme gives excellent results.

“We’ve also seen significantly lower detergent consumption, maybe 40-50% less, which could save us around 200,000 to 250,000 SEK per year,” he added.

Solo Rescue Plus

Rescue Intellitech explained that the Solo Rescue Plus incorporates re-engineered spray nozzles operating from the sides, upper and lower positions, providing improved coverage across all PPE types.

The rotating basket works in combination with the nozzles to ensure full coverage with no blind spots, while a programme option to disable the lower spray helps prevent water ingress when washing boots.

A fresh water function allows services to replace water after every cycle, meeting the strictest decontamination protocols.

The company added that efficiency is further enhanced by a reduced wash tank volume, resulting in lower detergent and water usage, decreased running costs and shorter fill and heat-up times.

Four integrated dosing pumps let services tailor cleaning product dosage to their specific protocols, whether using separate cleaning agents, defoamer, disinfectant or any combination required by their workflow.

“Operationally achievable after every incident”

Nick Croad, Area Sales Manager, UK and Ireland, Rescue Intellitech commented: “We believe clean gear should be the standard, not the exception.

“Solo Rescue Plus is built on direct feedback from fire services and exists to make compliant decontamination operationally achievable, after every incident, not just when time allows,” he concluded.

Availability

According to the company, Solo Rescue Plus is expected to be available in the UK from autumn 2026.

It carries a 24-month parts and labour warranty.

Interschutz 2026

Rescue Intellitech is exhibiting at Interschutz 2026, Hannover, Germany, Hall 14, Stand H40 between 1-6 June 2026, where you can witness on stand product demonstrations.

How firefighter PPE standards are evolving for modern firefighting challenges

by Breaking NewsFirefighting EquipmentHealth and SafetyInspectionPPEProducts

HAIX UK Sales Manager Simon Ash explains how climate change, evolving fire risks and stricter regulations are driving new performance expectations for firefighter PPE and firefighting footwear

In the high-stakes world of firefighting, there are fundamental commonalities that transcend borders and languages. Whether it is a professional crew navigating Europe’s urban density, a wildfire team in the United States, or a volunteer department in a rural village, the mission remains the same: to protect and save lives.

This shared dedication to protecting the public creates a unique global community, one that is united by fire. At the same time, firefighters operate in an increasingly complex environment.

Changing climate conditions, changing fire characteristics and heightened regulatory standards are reshaping the demands placed on both personnel and their equipment.

Despite differences in the environment, geography, cultures and on-the-ground challenges, there remains a critical interdependence across the sector, a nod to shared pressures, demands and passion for keeping society safe.

The concept of excellent PPE across the industry has therefore never been more relevant than today with the desire for high-quality, versatile and comfortable footwear being a universal requirement.

As the industry changes, PPE must meet baseline standards and actively enable strong performance, resilience and long-term wellbeing. PPE manufacturers must support current and future generations of firefighters so they are able to perform to the best of their ability as safely as possible.

The critical role of firefighting footwear in operational safety

Firefighters are inherently practical. They are engineers of emergency who operate in a world defined by physics, dynamic and often unpredictable conditions and split-second decision-making. For this demographic, the mindset is typically a fact-first approach and a need to understand the what, how and why behind decisions, actions and PPE equipment.

There is a strong and important connection between a firefighter and their equipment. The industry often focuses on the heroic narrative of the individual or team, but it is the technical reliability and performance consistency of PPE that underpins operational effectiveness.

If a firefighter is distracted by discomfort or concerned about the integrity of their PPE, such as from their footwear, their focus is split, which can lead to dangerous situations and reduced efficiency. By ensuring that every firefighter has access to the highest quality PPE, operational safety, biomechanical support and performance optimisation are maximised.

For HAIX, the role of advanced PPE is considered in every step. Its 70 years of expertise ensure that every element of manufacturing, design and quality benefits from proven German engineering principles. This expertise is translated into measurable performance outcomes at the point of need, ensuring that in the very instant a firefighter requires reliability most, they are supported by innovative, comfortable and protective footwear.

How climate change Is reshaping firefighter PPE requirements

Within the varied global requirements for adequate protection, the industry is currently facing a period of intense change. This includes regulatory developments, increasingly diverse fire profiles (from wildfires to lithium-ion battery incidents), advancements in material science, stricter safety standards and a growing emphasis on long-term firefighter health, including ergonomics and contamination management.

This changing environment tests the strength of the firefighting world, particularly in relation to consistency of PPE standards, access to innovation and the ability of equipment to perform under increasingly difficult conditions. This is why global brands, such as HAIX, are developing solutions that address international requirements.

Whether responding to large-scale wildfires or tackling emerging urban risks, such as e-mobility-related fires, the needs of the modern firefighter must be met.

Access to comfortable, secure and innovative footwear is a critical component of risk mitigation and performance readiness. Firefighters facing unpredictable climates now require footwear that balances structural protection against heat and penetration hazards with lightweight construction and ergonomic flexibility, enabling mobility and endurance over extended operational periods.

The expectation is for multi-functional PPE solutions that perform across a range of incident types and environmental conditions without compromising on comfort or safety. The need is for a singular boot that is effective in multiple scenarios and environments, while maintaining performance throughout long shifts. Future generations must also be considered in PPE development.

What works for firefighters now must also reflect the needs of the next wave of professionals, whether based on changing operational demands, increased diversity within the service or a greater focus on long-term health outcomes. Manufacturers that prioritise user-led innovation, field testing and continuous product development will play a key role in ensuring the industry remains both connected and future-ready.

The future of firefighter PPE and industry collaboration

The coming years will bring new challenges to the fire and rescue sector. From the impacts of climate change to the complexities of the built environment, the demands on firefighters will only increase.

Every firefighter plays a key role in the global safety puzzle and deserves equipment that meets a standard and sets a new one. The response must be to double down

on the values that have always sustained the service: camaraderie, expertise and a relentless pursuit of quality. For PPE manufacturers, this means investment in innovation and rigorous quality benchmarks.

Fire Eagle 3.0

HAIX’s latest innovation, the Fire Eagle 3.0, will be unveiled at this year’s INTERSCHUTZ. Characterised by speed, weight and feel, the third iteration in the best-selling series is a picture of technology influenced by real-life firefighter research and input. It is a refinement of the quality, craftsmanship and excellence ingrained in HAIX’s 70-year legacy.

Effective procurement  

To ensure the delivery of high-performance PPE that meets the specific demands of the fire sector, the
following strategies are recommendedfor procurement and supplier teams:
End-user engagement: Involve frontline personnel early as their insight is critical to defining meaningful requirements and identifying improvements for safety and comfort
Feature prioritisation: Distinguish between mandatory and desirable criteria to ensure a balance between innovation and technical possibility
Standards compliance: Clearly define requirements that comply with the most recent and relevant
safety standards
Continuous communication: Maintain open dialogue between procurement officers and suppliers to ensure clarity at every stage of the process
Quality focus: Ensure that safety, quality and compliance are prioritised throughout the process and valued above the price point

Fire services act to close training gaps for female firefighters

by PPEResearch
While a record-number of women are joining the fire service, heralding a new era of inclusivity for the sector, a new report highlights that training and injury-prevention protocols remain overwhelmingly based on male physiology.

Research and findings

Experts led by the University of East London highlight how optimised training – tailored to female physiology and health – can improve female firefighters’ safety and career longevity, as, although the physical demands are the same for everyone, there is currently a flawed assumption that training principles based on male cohorts will produce the same results in females.
The research reveals that nearly 80% of female firefighters operate in ill-fitting personal protective equipment (PPE), compared to just 20.9% of their male counterparts.
This equipment mismatch, combined with a lack of sex-specific training and recovery actively heightens the risk of injury.

“Immediate, real-world change”

Co-author of the report, Dr Lee Brown, Senior Lecturer and Researcher at University of East London commented: “Currently, women make up 8% of firefighters across the UK, and while recruitment numbers are rising, retention remains a challenge.
“Most services currently don’t have policies regarding female-specific physical training and drastically lack research and policy to support women through key life stages such as pregnancy, postpartum and menopause.
“This research and the involvement of services such as the Kent Fire and Rescue Service in this type of initiatives is a step in the right direction, and it is prompting immediate, real-world change.”

Sex-specific training

Dr Brown is currently working with Chief executive Ann Millington at Kent Fire and Rescue Service, which is directly implementing the new sex-specific training recommendations this year, and will be partnering with other fire services to overhaul training guidance and develop robust policies designed to keep women in the service longer.

“We’re proud to lead the way”

Ann Millington, Chief executive at Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: “Our goal is to be an employer of choice where every firefighter has the tools to thrive.
“By adopting these sex-specific training and PPE protocols, we are telling our female colleagues that their health and careers are a top priority.
“We’re proud to lead the way in creating a fire service that is fit for the future,” Millington added.

“A more supportive environment”

Sophie Bulmer, Firefighter at Canterbury Fire Station said: “This research has helped raise awareness of the challenges and unique issues female firefighters face.
“In particular, it has focussed on understanding strength and fitness performance and on developing practical, evidence-based solutions that could help create a more supportive environment for women in the fire service.
“We’re thrilled to be part of this work, which has potential to help ensure standards that are both achievable and sustainable,” she concluded.

The study

Published in the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s (NSCA) TSAC Report, Dr Brown’s study highlights the need to recognise female physiology when programming training and recovery strategies, to create a more inclusive culture that supports female firefighters throughout their entire careers.
The study suggested that training should focus on improving absolute strength and address females’ sex-specific vulnerabilities – such as higher ACL injury risks – through targeted injury prevention.
Training and recovery should also be adapted and account for shift-work fatigue, sleep deprivation and hormonal fluctuations.
Finally, properly sized, fitted and structured PPE for females must be a mandated, non-negotiable safety requirement, where at present, is largely based on male body measurements, which can fail to protect them properly.

From fibre to fire protection: The role of Aksa Akrilik in technical textiles

by Featured NewsIndustrialPPE

Bahadir Kaya, FR Product Solutions Manager, Aksa Akrilik, shares how innovation in fiber design and solution dyeing is shaping the future of technical and protective textiles

How do Aksa’s R&D capabilities support the development of advanced technical fibers such as the Armora modacrylic brand?

At Aksa, we don’t just manufacture fibers; we engineer solutions that protect lives.

The development of our Armora modacrylic brand isn’t a coincidence, it’s the result of a sophisticated R&D ecosystem designed to push the boundaries of inherent flame retardancy.

Our journey is built on 55 years of deep-rooted fiber production experience, which provides the stable foundation required to advance polymers.

We are leveraging decades of data to refine the safety and comfort of technical textiles.

Innovation requires more than just ideas; it requires the infrastructure to test them.

Our R&D commitment is reflected in our dedicated team and facilities.

We have a specialised task force, around 40 expert researchers and engineers dedicated solely to the next generation of fibers.

In addition, we operate in 4 specialised R&D laboratories that focus entirely on research, development and rigorous testing.

This allows us to move from a concept to a high-performance prototype with unmatched speed and precision.

We believe the best products aren’t made in isolation.

We work in close partnership with customers across the globe, co-developing tailored solutions that meet the specific safety demands of different regions and industries.

This market-oriented approach doesn’t just result in products; it results in intellectual property.

By consistently filing patent applications for our innovative projects, we don’t just follow market trends; we set them.

When you choose Armora, you choose a product born from a culture of leadership and a continuous drive for “what’s next” in technical safety.

What differentiates Armora from conventional modacrylic fibers?

Armora’s distinction from conventional modacrylic fibers lies in its fusion of molecular-level safety with groundbreaking manufacturing efficiency, moving far beyond basic flame retardancy to offer a high-performance, sustainable textile solution.

At the heart of this innovation is our advanced solution dyeing technology, which integrates pigments directly into the fiber during production to ensure superior colour fastness that remains vibrant even after 100 industrial washes.

This “dop dyed” approach is not only a performance advantage but a significant environmental milestone, reducing water consumption by 70% and steam usage by 15% compared to traditional batch dyeing methods.

Our portfolio continues to lead with specialised innovations such as New Generation Modacrylic Fibers, which provides a cost-effective modacrylic solution through optimised low-antimony content and our upcoming New FR fiber.

This new advancement is specifically engineered for next-to-skin applications, offering a toxic-gas-free, antimony-free and skin-friendly profile that prioritises wearer comfort without compromising on safety.

Because Armora is inherently flame-resistant at a molecular level, it acts as a critical safety anchor in blends, allowing it to provide full FR performance even when combined with non-FR cellulosic fibers.

This versatility is backed by the Oeko-Tex Class 1 certification across the entire Armora range, ensuring that our products meet the highest global standards for human ecology.

Armora HiVis dyed fiber options strictly adhere to ISO 20471 and ANSI 107 standards, serving the growing high-visibility market with a solution that is as durable as it is protective, proving that true innovation in technical fibers must balance high-stakes safety with a steadfast dedication to environmental stewardship.

How is Armora currently being applied in protective clothing and technical textile markets, and what makes these applications distinctive?

Armora’s strategic deployment across global protective clothing and technical textile markets is defined by its ability to provide uncompromised safety where the margin for error is zero.

As our most advanced modacrylic fiber, it serves industrial professionals who require exceptional resistance against flash fires and harsh chemicals without sacrificing ergonomic comfort.

The distinctiveness of Armora lies in its molecular versatility; its self-extinguishing structure allows for innovative fabric blends – even with non-FR fibers – maintaining total thermal integrity while offering a clear cost advantage through optimised longevity.

In the petrochemical and oil and gas sectors, our solution dyed technology ensures garments retain protective properties and high-visibility colors through years of rigorous daily wear.

Armora is also a preferred choice for power distribution companies due to its electric arc flash protection and processing for both knitting and weaving.

Beyond heavy industry, its unique performance profile extends into high-end plush blankets, footwear and the nonwoven sector as a high-efficiency heat barrier, demonstrating a steadfast dedication to safeguarding life in every environment.

How does Armora’s technical properties translate into improved protection or performance for end users?

The shifting dynamics in the oil and gas sector provide a clear example of how Armora’s technical properties translate into tangible benefits.

While aramid-heavy blends have dominated this field, Armora modacrylic blends are redefining the standard by offering a 20–30% cost advantage without compromising safety.

This shift is driven by Armora’s ability to be blended with cellulosic fibers, providing a superior comfort solution for personnel working long shifts in demanding environments.

Despite this increased focus on comfort and cost efficiency, the level of protection remains uncompromised, offering excellent flame retardancy alongside exceptional color fastness.

Even under harsh industrial conditions involving intense UV exposure, our solution dyed fibers ensure that garments retain their original appearance and high-visibility performance throughout their entire service life.

By balancing these rigorous safety requirements with a persistent focus on user-centric design, Armora delivers a more wearable, affordable and durable protective solution for today’s industrial workforce.

What excites you about how Armora is being used in protective clothing today?

The most rewarding aspect is our ability to transform high-stakes safety into a seamless part of a professional’s daily life.

In critical sectors, workers face the constant life-threatening risk of arc flash incidents.

Historically, protection often came at the expense of wearer comfort, but Armora is changing that by positioning itself at the forefront of innovative arc protection.

It is rewarding to see how our unique solution dyed technology integrates high-level arc flash defense directly into the fiber’s DNA, ensuring that safety is never compromised by wear or washing.

By enhancing the comfort profile, we are not just providing a shield against thermal hazards; we are offering an unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for those working in high-risk environments, making their demanding shifts safer and more manageable.

What new applications or developments for Armora do you see shaping the future of technical textiles?

The future will be defined by the seamless integration of high-performance safety and environmental responsibility.

We are intensifying our efforts to deliver sustainable innovations, most notably through our New Generation Armora products.

By reducing antimony content, traditionally used as a synergistic additive, we have received exceptional feedback from the market.

This advancement allows us to offer a higher Limiting Oxygen Index while providing an eco-friendlier fiber.

We are also expanding our portfolio with the introduction of New FR, an acrylic-based fiber currently undergoing successful client trials.

This delivers a comprehensive package of benefits, including enhanced sustainability, odor control, antimicrobial properties and superior moisture management, all while leveraging our solution dyed technology.

When compared to Meta-Aramid or FR viscose blends, it demonstrates superior thermal insulation and higher water vapor resistance.

These make it an unrivaled choice for next-to-skin applications, where the demand for a superior comfort solution is as critical as the need for thermal defense.

By combining these diverse functionalities into a single fiber, we continue to demonstrate a strong adherence in shaping a safer and more sustainable future for the industry.

This was originally published in the April 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.