Encouraging consistent use of protective clothing particularly in demanding or hazardous environments can be challenging. However, CORDURA® Advanced Fabrics has developed CORDURA Comfort FR™, a new, innovative solution to boost both safety and durability, while also increasing comfort and ease of wear to help make protective clothing more readily acceptable to end users.
Q. What differentiates CORDURA Comfort FR™ from existing flame-resistant fabric technologies on the market?
A. It stands out from other flame-resistant fabrics by offering lightweight, breathable constructions and soft hand, along with FR (flame resistant) protection. Unlike heavier traditional options, fabrics are more comfortable for extended wear.
It achieves this by using a patented, thermally resistant nylon fibre technology that not only strengthens the fabric’s durability but provides comfort that promotes proper usage.
Furthermore, with easily dyeable nylon fiber, PPE manufacturers can produce versatile garments, customise aesthetics, and trust that they may withstand multiple washes without fading. These qualities are what make a difference compared to traditional FR solutions when making choices for high-risk environments where comfort, safety, and longevity are important.
Q. How do its lightweight, breathable, and soft characteristics improve daily comfort and compliance?
A. It’s really about giving people something they can move around in easily. By reducing weight and improving breathability, the fabrics used enable workers to operate comfortably for long periods of time. This comfort increases the likelihood that PPE garments will be worn when and how they should, supporting better compliance with workplace requirements.
Q. What role does the patented thermally resistant nylon fibre technology play in enhancing durability and long-term performance?
A. The patented fiber technology combines high tensile strength with the excellent abrasion resistance typical of nylon fibres. Blended with other inherently FR fibers at up to 40% content, the resulting fabrics offer resilience and sustained protective performance in tough environments, reducing the need for frequent garment replacement.
Q. Which key industries and high-risk environments are CORDURA Comfort FR™ fabrics designed to support?
A. Our fabrics are specifically engineered to support high-risk industries where protection, safety compliance, comfort, and long-lasting performance are critical. Good examples include oil and gas, utilities, electrical maintenance, petrochemical processing, and industrial manufacturing. The fabrics are also well-suited for emergency services like firefighting and rescue operations, as well as for use in military, transportation, and mining applications.
Q. How do the fabrics meet critical safety standards and why is this important for manufacturers and end-users?
A. The fabrics we use are engineered to meet stringent safety requirements such as those included in NFPA 2112 and ISO 11612, the internationally recognised standards for flame-resistant protective clothing. NFPA 2112 specifies requirements for garments intended to protect industrial workers against flash fire hazards, while ISO 11612 outlines performance criteria for clothing designed to shield wearers from heat and flame.
Compliance with these standards is crucial for manufacturers as it enables them to confidently produce PPE that they know will keep their employees safe.
Q. What lifecycle advantages do CORDURA Comfort FR™ fabrics offer?
Garments made from our fabrics are less prone to wear and tear, even after repeated exposure to rugged environments and frequent laundering. This reduces replacement frequency, cuts procurement and repair costs and minimizes textile waste, which supports the fostering of responsible resource use and waste reduction throughout each garment’s lifecycle.
