First Global Edition Reflects Sector-Wide Innovation Momentum
The awards programme, featuring innovative products developed with Nomex® and Kevlar® fabrics and fibres, was opened to all regions for the first time this year. Presented during the A+A Düsseldorf Fair, the awards highlight the rising need for multi-hazard protection as risks evolve across industries. Reducing environmental impact, enhancing recyclability and addressing new electrical hazards were among the leading themes of this year’s submissions.
Multi-Hazard Protection and Sustainability Stand Out in the Nomex® Category
Four products received awards in the Industrial PPE for Nomex® category:
- Groupe Mulliez-Flory (France): The Phenix protective garment, made with Nomex® Comfort fabric finished with EcoForce™, offers multi-hazard protection in the oil, gas, chemical and electrical industries.
- Iturri SA (Spain): Developed post-consumer recycled Nomex® coveralls containing 30% recycled fibre, demonstrating a strong example of circular production.
- İşmont Tekstil (Türkiye): The Weldforce protective garment for welding operations combines flame and heat resistance with improved mobility, earning notable attention within the category.
- SureWerx (USA): The 40 Cal LAN Series Arc Flash Garment provides high-level arc flash protection in a lightweight structure for workers in renewable energy, electrification and related sectors.
Glove Performance Dominates the Kevlar® Category
In the Industrial PPE for Kevlar® category, three glove solutions and one protective sleeve were recognised:
- Ejendals (Sweden): TEGERA® welding gloves combine heat and cut resistance with optimum comfort and finger dexterity.
- Escorts Advanced Textiles (Pakistan): The Kevlar® SoftShield 379 Level A9 Liner delivers the highest cut protection level (A9) using one of the softest Kevlar®-based reinforced fabrics.
- PIP Global Safety (USA): The ultra-light G-Tek® Paradox™ cut-resistant gloves offer outstanding dexterity, tactile sensitivity and heat resistance.
- S.E.R.B. (France): The tear-resistant, flame-retardant and antistatic protective sleeve is designed for law enforcement, security personnel and glass industry workers.
Safety Innovations for First Responders and Firefighters
The emergency response categories highlighted solutions addressing growing particulate hazards and risks associated with electric vehicle fires:
- Ibena Shanghai (China): Rambo Outershell Fabric, featuring Kevlar® filament woven with spun Nomex®, delivers 30% higher tensile strength than conventional fabrics.
- Kipaş Mensucat (Türkiye): Nomex® Xtreme Max offers firefighter garments with high mechanical performance.
- PGI Safety Ltd (UK): The BarriAire Carbon Laminate Nano Flex particulate hood provides enhanced breathability and thermal protection.
- Alpex Protection (France): The Nomex® Nano Flex LAM AIR hood incorporates an innovative air cushion layer to improve thermal performance and breathability.
- Sofileta (France): The 7158 Navy protective knit meets EN13034 requirements, providing protection against electric arc hazards and chemical splashes.
- Theodolf Fritsche GmbH (Germany): The Elastic Premium fabric, made with a highly durable elastic yarn, is designed for a wide range of protective coveralls.
Jury Evaluation and the Awards’ Sectoral Significance
The jury evaluated all submissions based on key criteria including product performance, innovative design, manufacturing quality and environmental responsibility. The winning solutions reflect global innovation trends that support multi-hazard protection and sustainability requirements in PPE and emergency response fields.
Statement from DuPont
Stephanie Vrakas, Global Market Leader for DuPont Personal Protection, emphasised the significance of recognising Nomex® and Kevlar® innovations from all regions on a shared global platform. She noted that the winning solutions strengthen worker and firefighter protection while advancing sustainability goals.
