DuPont Innovation Awards Recognize the Best PPE and Fabrics Against Emerging Risks

Core Insights - DuPont announced the winners of the 2025 DuPont Innovation Awards for Thermal and Mechanical Protection, recognizing advancements in personal protective equipment (PPE) and Emergency Response industries, marking the first global edition of the awards [1][3] Group 1: Award Overview - The awards were open to new products made using Nomex® or Kevlar® fabrics or fibers, reflecting the growing demand for multi-hazard protection due to evolving risks [1][2] - Judges evaluated entries based on product performance, innovative design, quality of manufacturing, and environmental responsibility [3] Group 2: Key Themes - Common themes among entries included reducing the environmental footprint of PPE, advancing recyclability, and addressing unprecedented electrical hazards [2] - Firefighter safety was a significant focus, with multiple entries targeting particulate hazards from electric vehicle fires [2] Group 3: Winners in Nomex® for Industrial PPE - Phenix protective clothing from Groupe Mulliez-Flory features Nomex® Comfort fabric with EcoForce™ finish, enhancing durability and sustainability for oil and gas, chemical, and electrical sectors [4] - Iturri SA developed post-consumer Nomex® Recycled garments with 30% recycled materials for the oil and gas industry [4] - The Weldforce Welding Suit from İşmont Tekstil combines flame and heat resistance with enhanced mobility [4] - SureWerx's 40 Cal LAN Series Arc Flash Suit is ultra-lightweight, providing optimal comfort while meeting high arc flash protection requirements [4] Group 4: Winners in Kevlar® for Industrial PPE - Ejendals' TEGERA® welding gloves offer heat and cut protection with optimal fit and comfort [5] - Escorts Advanced Textiles' Kevlar® SoftShield 379 Level A9 Liner provides the highest cut protection level (A9) with soft Kevlar®-based fabric [5] - PIP Global Safety's G-Tek® Paradox™ Cut Resistant Gloves deliver outstanding dexterity and heat resistance [5] - S.E.R.B. Regain Perform's Anti-laceration, Flame-Resistant, and Antistatic sleeve is versatile for law enforcement and glass industry workers [5] Group 5: Winners in Emergency Response - Ibena Shanghai's Rambo Outershell Fabric for firefighter suits features Nomex® spun yarn interwoven with Kevlar® filament, offering 30% higher tensile strength than conventional fabrics [6] - Kipas Mensucat Isletmeleri A.S. developed Nomex® Xtreme Max for high mechanical performance in firefighter suits [6] - PGI Safety Ltd's BarriAire Carbon Laminate Nano Flex Particulate Hood enhances performance for firefighters [6] - Alpex Protection Particulates' Nomex® Nano FlexLAM AIR hoods feature an innovative air cushion for increased breathability and thermal protection [6] Group 6: Additional Innovations - Sofileta's 7158 Navy protective fire-resistant knit fabric protects against electric arc hazards and chemical liquids [7] - Theodolf Fritsche GmbH's Elastic Premium fabric uses a unique elastic yarn that is more durable than Elasthan [7]