Safety and protection

A website that collects and reviews the scientific literature regarding the decontamination of N95 face masks in order to create a set of best practices for the re-use of this protective equipment

Two research and training pilot production lines at North Carolina State University (NCSU)’s Nonwovens Institute (NWI) in Raleigh, USA, are being used to produce materials for face masks that will

US nanofibre manufacturer NXTNano of Claremore, Oklahoma, reports that it currently has 100 000 m² of nanofibre-core nonwovens that it is treating to the specifications required for the

In response to the human coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Institut fur Textiltechnik (ITA) at RWTH Aachen University in Germany is setting-up a registry to connect producers of face masks with

A total of 250 million medical face masks and 30–40 million personal protective equipment (PPE) masks will be needed in the European Union (EU) each month for the battle against human coronavirus (

3M has completed the sale of its ballistic-protection business to Avon Rubber Plc for US$91 million.

Lightweight and thin carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) body armour able to protect its wearer from attacks with blunt, edged and pointed weapons has been unveiled by

Honeywell of Morris Plains, New Jersey, USA, is increasing its capacity for the production of its ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibre (Spectra) by more than 20%.

Labels for workwear and uniforms designed to show that their safety, quality and durability have been thoroughly tested have been launched by Hohenstein of Bönnigheim, Germany.

A textile composite suitable for use as the outer layer of a garment for professionals working in hazardous environments has been developed by WL Gore & Associates (Gore) of Newark, Delaware, U

A lightweight ultra-high molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibre-reinforced composite for the production of combat helmets has been unveiled by Honeywell of Morris Plains, New Jersey, USA.

Virgin Galactic and Under Armour (UA) have unveiled the spacesuits to be worn by passengers on Virgin's commercial sub-orbital spaceflights.

A pair of fabrics designed to offer comfort, ease of movement, and protection for firefighters and first responders has been launched by Arville of Wetherby, UK.

A breathable, heat-reflecting textile that can be worn by firefighters, rescue workers and military personnel working in close proximity to fires has been developed by Heathcoat Fabrics of Tiverton

Specialist in the production and supply of arc-flash protective clothing, Skanwear has secured a new contract with ABB North America.

A flame- and heat-resistant fabric that is lightweight, soft, flexible and durable has been launched by Coats of Uxbridge, UK.

Protective clothing that is comfortable and provides a high level of protection from electric arc (arc discharge) has been developed by DuPont of Wilmington, Delaware, USA.

3M is to sell its advanced ballistic-protection business to Avon Rubber Plc for US$91 million. 

A multifunctional protective fabric made from high-strength fibres has been developed by Shadow Works Group of Lorton, Virginia, USA.

Researchers in the USA have demonstrated that vehicle armour made using composite metal foam (CMF) can stop large-calibre ball and armour-piercing rounds as effectively as conventional steel armour

A lightweight yet effective ballistic protection material that is more comfortable to wear that existing solutions has been developed by Blücher of Erkrath, Germany.

Spinning mill Filidea and its automotive components and technical apparel partner Sparco, both based in Piedmont, Italy, have worked with Team McLaren Honda F1 in the development of what is claimed

After a 10-year research and development (R&D) effort, an anti-mosquito masterbatch for use in long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) designed to counteract the increasing resistance of

A coating for polypropylene (PP) fibres that can capture toxic industrial chemicals and chemical warfare agents, even in highly humid environments, has been developed in the USA.

A fire-retardant fibre can be produced from a mixture of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) using a method developed by Aksa Akrilik of Çiftlikköy-Yalova, Turkey.

Protective garments made from a composite fabric with high cut- and puncture-resistance have been co-developed by UK-based Optipro and Lars Petter Andresen of Norway.

A polyamide (PA) staple fibre with a high load-bearing capacity has been developed by Invista.

Flame-resistant (FR) textiles manufacturer Westex by Milliken and aramid fibre producer Teijin Aramid have formed a joint technology and commercial partnership covering Southeast Asia and Australas

A flame-resistant fabric that is lightweight and complies with the relevant industrial standards for such personal protection garments has been developed by Invista of Wichita, Kansas, USA.

A lightweight and flexible protective padding system that can be incorporated into clothing has been developed by Hexaflex of Bernay, France.

A fire-resistant textile developed by Arville Textiles of Wetherby, UK, could be used to manufacture clothing for use by firefighters, military personnel and police officers.

Carrington Textiles of Adlington, UK, is set to launch its first stretchable flame-retardant (FR) fabric (Flameflex 275).

A textile that provides improved ballistic protection, particularly against fragments released by detonation/explosion and/or against ballistic objects, has been developed by Blücher of Erkrath, Ge

A method for manufacturing a flame-resistant (FR) textile for protective clothing, particularly for firefighters, is disclosed by Trans-Textil of Freilassing, Germany.

A yarn that enables the production of an improved electromagnetic shielding fabric for use in the manufacture of protective clothing has been developed by

A three-dimensional (3D) knitted fabric that offers high abrasion, cut, tear and/or puncture resistance has been developed by glove manufacturer Granberg of Bjoa, Norway.

A lightweight ballistic protection structure that contains a textile layer of synthetic fibres has been co-developed by two Italian companies, SAES Getters of Lainate (Milan) and Gruppo Rold of Ner

A flame-resistant (FR), high-visibility fabric for use in safety apparel and apparel components has been disclosed by Davey Textile Solutions of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Worldwide Protective Products has developed a protective garment to provide cut, slash, abrasion and/or wear resistance, as well as being thinner and better ventilated than existing products on the

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Inc says it has won official permission for the establishment of a subsidiary in Vietnam from t

Safariland Group of Jacksonville, Florida, USA, is using a composite based on ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibres to change the way antiballistic glass is installed in handheld