Reinventing Strength: The Innovation Behind Kevlar® EXO™

By Joseph Hovanec

For more than half a century, Kevlar® has been synonymous with strength, protection and performance under pressure. But now, a new, next-generation fiber, Kevlar EXO™, has emerged, representing a significant evolution in aramid fiber technology. The Kevlar EXO material features new polymer structures enhancing energy absorption, flexibility and fire resistance, resulting in a fabric that offers greater strength-to-weight performance.

The journey to Kevlar EXO began with a simple but ambitious question: How can a trusted material be re-engineered to meet the demands of a world that’s moving faster and farther than ever before? From that challenge came a process rooted in curiosity and guided by innovation principles focusing on rapid prototyping, cross-functional teamwork and a constant loop of testing, learning and refining.

What’s most striking is how quickly different applications were discovered for Kevlar EXO beyond the traditional use cases in life protection. From its use in motorsports to spacecraft and soft body armor, new applications for Kevlar EXO are still being identified as we learn more about its capabilities.

Next-Generation Protection

Kevlar EXO was initially used as a main component in soft body armor, like bullet-resistant vests, where it redefined what protective gear could feel like. Traditional body armor relies on stiff, layered panels that can be heavy and restrictive. Kevlar EXO changes the entire paradigm, offering the same ballistic performance with less physical limitations.

The result is protection that is lighter, more breathable and more flexible, conforming to the body rather than constraining it. Soft body armor can now easily move with the wearer, improving both comfort and endurance. For military and law enforcement personnel, that translates into tangible benefits: reduced fatigue, improved mobility and enhanced safety.

Beyond soft body armor, Kevlar EXO is also being explored for hard armor applications, including in helmets and ballistic plate inserts. By playing a structural role in hard armor, the material can improve structural integrity, limit crack propagation and disseminate energy by absorbing up to two and a half times more energy. This is critical for minimizing trauma for the wearer, who can also benefit from the lightweight performance of Kevlar EXO.

The exploration of hard armor applications also marks an entry for the material into composites. From structural composites in mass transportation and automotive to recreational sports, Kevlar EXO offers a unique balance of properties, making it a novel material for engineers to design with.

Protection is the ultimate goal of soft and hard body armor, and with Kevlar EXO, law enforcement and military personnel have the advantage of lighter weight gear without sacrificing their safety.

Speed, Safety And Innovation In Motion

The same combination of toughness, lightness and flexibility that makes Kevlar EXO ideal for body armor can also be applied to the world of racing. In collaboration with Aero Tec Laboratories (ATL), the material has been integrated into crash-resistant fuel bladders for elite racing categories including Formula One and, more recently, the World Rally Championship.

In motorsports, safety components must withstand enormous forces and heat while remaining as light as possible. In these conditions, every gram matters. Kevlar EXO has delivered more than 20 percent weight savings compared to previous bladder constructions while still meeting stringent FIA safety standards.

Reaching For The Stars (Or At Least The Moon)

Perhaps the most visionary use of Kevlar EXO lies beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Engineers and materials scientists are exploring its potential for spacecraft shielding, satellite protection and future orbital habitats, where applications with mass and weight savings and resilience can make or break a mission.

Early hypervelocity impact tests at NASA’s White Sands facility have shown impressive results. Shields incorporating Kevlar EXO resisted aluminum projectiles traveling over six kilometers per second, outperforming conventional designs while cutting total shield mass by as much as 40 percent. This frees up valuable payload capacity, reduces launch costs and extends operational lifespans for orbiting equipment.

The material’s flexibility also opens new design possibilities. Unlike rigid panels, Kevlar EXO can be integrated into deployable structures or layered membranes that flex and adapt during launch and operation. Its inherent flame resistance and ability to withstand extreme thermal cycles make it well-suited for the extreme conditions of orbital flight.

Lessons From The Innovation Process

The story behind Kevlar EXO is as much about how it was developed as what it has achieved. The material’s success is rooted in a willingness to rethink tradition and approach each new challenge with curiosity. Rather than adhering to a linear R&D path, ideas were rapidly tested, failures were treated as data and partnerships across industries ensured real-world validation from the start.

From protecting first responders to fueling the world’s fastest cars and fortifying spacecraft, Kevlar EXO represents a fusion of science and imagination. It embodies what happens when material innovation becomes not just a technical pursuit but a creative one—redefining limits across disciplines that once seemed worlds apart.

Learn more about the various applications for Kevlar EXO visit: www.dupont.com/kevlar-exo.html

Editor’s Note: Joseph Hovanec is DuPont Global Technology Manager

December 1, 2025

Hygienix™ 2025 Showcased Absorbent Hygiene Innovation, Sustainability, And Collaboration — Confitex Technology Wins The 2025 Hygienix™ Innovation Award™

CARY, N.C. — December 1, 2025 — Hygienix™ 2025 brought together hundreds of industry leaders to explore advancements in the absorbent hygiene and personal care markets during the 11th annual Hygienix™ event, held November 17-20 in Orlando, Fla.

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced Confitex Technology as the winner of the 2025 Hygienix™ Innovation Award™ for its groundbreaking Washable Nonwoven Sanitary Pads, recognizing exceptional innovation in absorbent hygiene materials, products, or technologies.

2025 Hygienix Innovation Award winner:

Confitex Technology – Washable Nonwoven Sanitary Pads

Making single-use reusable: As regulators, retailers and consumers move toward a greener future, a new category of washable AHPs is creating opportunities for the nonwoven industry. Confitex Technology has created and patented world’s first washable nonwoven sanitary pads designed for sustainability and scalability without the need for SAPs. Confitex Technology is leading Innovator and Private Label supplier. Their purpose is to transform the lives of millions and reduce the Earth’s landfill by creating the ultimate reusable AHPs.

Finalists Dukane – Curved Leg Elastic (CLE) and ZymoChem – BAYSE™ were also recognized for their significant contributions to advancing performance, sustainability, and consumer well-being in absorbent hygiene.

“The innovations presented this year demonstrate remarkable creativity and a clear focus on improving lives while advancing environmental stewardship,” said Tony Fragnito, INDA President & CEO. “The level of collaboration and innovation seen at Hygienix continues to raise the bar for our industry.”

Networking and Collaboration Across the Hygiene Value Chain

The 2025 Hygienix™ Conference fostered meaningful connections through multiple networking formats, including:

  • Women in Nonwovens (WiN) Luncheon – Encouraging mentorship, leadership, and collaboration among women in the industry.
  • Lightning Talks – High-energy, five-minute presentations from exhibiting companies.
  • Evening Receptions & Exhibits – Showcasing breakthrough technologies and supplier capabilities across absorbent hygiene.
  • Lunch Around with Olivia Ahn, MD, Co-Founder, Planera – Sharing her start-up journey and sustainability vision.
  • Welcome Reception – An informal kickoff Monday evening connecting industry peers and innovators.

Program Content: Insights Driving the Future of Absorbent Hygiene

The conference featured a comprehensive technical program and three Pre-Conference Workshops on absorption systems, menstrual care innovation, and baby and infant care market dynamics.

Throughout the week, attendees explored presentations and panel discussions on:

  • Circularity and sustainable materials, including bio-based fibers, PFAS-free chemistries, and flushable packaging.
  • Regulatory, testing, and consumer trends shaping product design and market growth.
  • New applications such as pet care, eczema-friendly testing, and private label innovation.

Speakers represented a global cross-section of the value chain, including Absorbent Hygiene Insights, BAHP, Cycleology, Euromonitor International, Kuraray Europe, Lenzing AG, ProVerde Environmental, SmartSolve, Soane Materials, Trützschler Nonwovens, Woolchemy NZ, and many others.

Industry Momentum and Strong Attendance

This year’s event was well-received by all attendees, drawing global participation from brand owners, converters, material and equipment suppliers, and entrepreneurs committed to advancing performance and sustainability in absorbent hygiene.

“Hygienix continues to be the must-attend event for anyone driving innovation in the absorbent hygiene sector,” said Matt O’Sickey, PhD, INDA Director of Education & Technical Affairs. “From start-ups to multinationals, the insights and connections made here have a lasting impact on our industry’s progress.”

Posted: December 1, 2025

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Indorama Ventures’ Fibers Business And Jiaren Chemical Recycling Form Joint Venture To Enhance Global Textile Circularity

BANGKOK, Thailand / ZHEIJANG, China— November 26, 2025 — Indorama Ventures’ Fibers business, a leading global supplier of recycled technical textiles, polyester fibers and yarns, and Jiaren Chemical Recycling, a technology leader in chemical polyester recycling, form a joint venture to accelerate circularity in the global textile industry.

Both partners plan to leverage the joint venture to unlock up to 100,000 tonnes of textile-recycled PET spinning capacity annually, thereby enhancing the resilience and transparency of the global textile supply chain and optimizing the value both partners deliver to the industry.

Indorama Ventures’ global manufacturing footprint across APAC, EMEA, and the Americas along with the company’s proven ability to build efficient regional supply chains enable brand owners to establish local sourcing hubs where they need them. Jiaren Chemical Recyling’s ability to source, sort, de-color, de- and re-polymerize textile waste makes chemical textile recycling available at scale.

That means fibers and yarns from this recycled feedstock allow brand owners to realize their climate targets and reduce textile waste at scale, while maintaining well-known material performance for consumers.

Mr. Diego Boeri, Executive President of Indorama Ventures’ Fibers business, said:

Diego Boeri, Executive President of Indorama Ventures’ Fibers business

“Mismanaged textile waste as well as the next generation’s expectations regarding climate protection cannot be solved by one company alone. It requires significant investment in infrastructure, technology and operations.

“Only together, all value chain players can build circular business models. Regulators need to help nurture the appetite for required investments, in particular in Europe, and consumers need to understand a lot better what happens in today’s global material flows to make educated buying choices. At Indorama Ventures, we strongly believe in the power of tightly woven relationships, with our customers and all other parties. We aim to lead the shift towards a circular textile economy.

“That’s why we back this joint venture with a double-digit million $ equity investment in Jiaren’s recycling capacity. We consider Jiaren Chemical Recycling the most advanced technology player in chemical textile recycling today. This strategic partnership is our next significant contribution to making our ambition of a circular textile industry real.”

Mr. Fang Jiayu, Chief Commercial Officer (International Market) of Jiaren, confirmed the goal to lead from the front:

“Already today, Jiaren Chemical Recycling is among the biggest PET textile chemical recyclers globally, and we are continuously expanding our capacity. Partnering with a global powerhouse like Indorama Ventures is an opportunity for us to expand reach, helping to solve the world’s textile waste crisis, and secure diverse stable supply chains for brand owners and customers worldwide.” The closing of the joint venture is subject to relevant regulatory approvals

Posted: November 26, 2025

Source: Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited

Samsara Eco And European Outdoor Group Launch The Nylon Materials Collective

ZUG, Switzerland — November 26, 2025 — Australian biotech, Samsara Eco and the European Outdoor Group (EOG) today launched the Nylon Materials Collective, a collaboration designed to make high-performance, virgin-identical recycled nylon accessible to more outdoor brands and accelerate the industry’s shift toward a truly circular textiles future.

The Nylon Materials Collective will unite outdoor brands, supply chain partners and materials leaders to remove common barriers that can slow the adoption of recycled materials but are critical for a more sustainable and circular future.

Nylon is a common material choice for outdoor brands who prioritize high-performance, durable materials that have the strength and tenacity to handle the toughest of outdoor conditions.

Leaning into collective demand, brands in the Collective will have access to recycled materials through pooled volumes, and the option to collaborate with leading supply chain partners, helping to reduce logistical complexities and speed up adoption and implementation.

“Outdoor brands inherently have a respect for the planet. They understand the importance of establishing a circular, low-carbon future so we can all continue enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. We want to do everything we can to help more brands access our materials so we can all enjoy the benefit from going circular,” said Sarah Cook, Chief Commercial Officer of Samsara Eco. “The Nylon Materials Collective will make it easier for outdoor brands of any size, who might have smaller materials requirements or who typically buy at a fabric level to access and seamlessly integrate virgin-identical recycled materials into their future product lines.”

Samsara Eco’s enzymatic recycling technology, EosEco produces virgin-identical recycled materials including nylon 6,6, giving brands the confidence they can continue to produce the durable products their customers know and love, from recycled materials. Brands can also strengthen their position to meet upcoming EU Circular Economy regulations around Extended Producer Responsibility and minimum recycled content mandates, as well as achieve preferred materials ambitions.

As the leading voice of the European outdoor industry, the EOG is providing the platform to leverage the sector’s collective influence and demand. The partnership offers a streamlined path for brands to access Samsara Eco’s recycled nylon.

European Outdoor Group’s Head of Sustainability and CSR, Dr Katy Stevens, said: “At the European Outdoor Group, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. The Nylon Materials Collective represents an opportunity for our members to work together with innovators like Samsara Eco to unlock access to recycled nylon and accelerate the industry’s transition to circular materials. By pooling demand and expertise, we’re making it easier for brands of all sizes to integrate high-performance, recycled materials into their collections and take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable outdoor industry.”

For the EOG, representing around 150 brands, retailers, associations and other organisations across the value chain, this partnership is a practical step toward their vision of supporting the sector in doing business “in a way that gives back more than it takes.” For Samsara Eco, the collaboration marks a major step in its mission to establish circular materials as the natural choice for brands, proving that durability, performance, and sustainability can go hand-in-hand.

The Nylon Materials Collective is open to any EOG members. It will formally launch ahead of EOG’s participation at ISPO Munich 2025, where Samsara Eco will showcase its recycled nylon material samples.

Posted: November 26, 2025

Source: Samsara Eco

Ermenegildo Zegna Group Prepares For The Future With New Leadership Structure

MILAN — November 24, 2025 — Ermenegildo Zegna N.V. — together with its consolidated subsidiary, the Ermenegildo Zegna Group — today announced a new leadership structure for the group and ZEGNA brand, effective January 1, 2026. The changes follow a succession planning process carried out thoroughly by the Board of Directors.

Edoardo Zegna, Gildo Zegna, Gianluca Tagliabue,, and Angelo Zegna

Ermenegildo “Gildo” Zegna, currently group chairman and CEO, will assume the role of group executive chairman. In this capacity, he will focus on safeguarding the legacy and integrity of the group’s three brands — ZEGNA, Thom Browne, and TOM FORD FASHION — while continuing to drive long-term value creation. He will also retain oversight of the group’s Textile Division, the group General Counsel’s office (including Internal Audit), and the External Relations department, which encompasses Sustainability, Investor Relations, and Corporate Communications.

Gianluca Tagliabue, currently group CFO and COO, will assume the role of group CEO subject to shareholders’ approval1. Working in close partnership with the group executive chairman, Tagliabue will be responsible for shaping and executing the group’s long-term strategy, driving business performance across all brands, and further strengthening the integration of the group’s corporate functions. He will also oversee manufacturing operations. The CEOs of the group’s brands will report to him. Gian Franco Santhià, currently group control & chief accounting officer, will be appointed as group CFO, reporting to the group CEO.

Edoardo and Angelo Zegna, members of the fourth generation of the Zegna family, will be appointed co-CEOs of the ZEGNA brand. They will succeed Gildo Zegna, who has held this role for more than 20 years. Edoardo Zegna, currently chief marketing and digital officer of ZEGNA as well as group chief sustainability officer, will lead all aspects of brand strategy, from brand image to marketing, and, together with ZEGNA’s Artistic Director Alessandro Sartori, design matters, including store design. Angelo Zegna, currently CEO of ZEGNA’s EMEA region and Global Client Strategy director, will oversee product development, merchandising, and commercial strategy, driving performance across markets and channels.

Gildo Zegna, chairman and CEO of the Ermenegildo Zegna Group, commented: “I am proud and excited about today’s announcement. One of the most important responsibilities of a leader is to think ahead — to prepare for the future and empower the next generation of leadership. This belief has always been deeply rooted in our family values and is a key force behind today’s announcement.

Together with the Board, I have asked Gianluca Tagliabue to assume the role of Group CEO. Over the past decade, Gianluca has been a cornerstone of our Group, leading the company through key transformations. The Ermenegildo Zegna Group is a custodian of authenticity. Gianluca embodies this philosophy and will support the CEOs of our brands in pursuing the Group’s mission as a trusted and forward-looking guide.

Edoardo and Angelo’s complementary strengths and clear vision will make them a highly effective team to lead ZEGNA brand. They continue the family legacy and have demonstrated their business leadership over the past years. Together, they will not only carry forward the brand’s timeless heritage, but strengthen it further.

As executive chairman, I will stand alongside our new leadership team and all our colleagues — a curious and passionate custodian of our brands’ vision and values, as I have always been. I will also continue to oversee the Group’s textile platform — where it all began. I am looking forward to shaping our Group’s next chapter with this new leadership team.”

Posted: November 25, 2025

Source: Ermenegildo Zegna Group

Teijin Leverages Solvent-Based Recycling Process To Develop High-Quality Polycarbonate Resin

TOKYO — November 12, 2025 — Teijin Ltd. announced today that it is using solvent-based recycling, an emerging technology, to develop high-quality recycled polycarbonate (PC) resin with quality comparable to virgin resin.

This innovative recycling method uses solvents to dissolve waste PC resin and separate pure polymers from contaminants such as surface coatings. It addresses challenges such as material degradation in mechanical recycling and high costs and carbon emissions in chemical recycling.

Expanding the use of recycled materials has become an urgent issue, particularly in Europe where the draft End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) regulation is being considered. This directive mandates the use of recycled plastics derived from end-of-life vehicles in new car manufacturing.

Polycarbonate resin, which excels in transparency and impact resistance, is used in a wide range of applications, such as automotive parts and electrical and electronic components. However, waste PC resin may contain contaminants that negatively affect the properties, clarity and aesthetics of the recycled resin. For this reason, Teijin is developing solvent-based recycling for waste PC resin from sources such as end-of-life vehicle headlamps.

Solvent-based Recycling Benefits

Teijin processes PC resin that has already undergone conventional mechanical recycling steps such as crushing and washing, but is unsuitable for applications requiring high transparency. The company then dissolves the material in solvents and removes impurities to convert it into reusable polymers. This process allows Teijin to reclaim material whose properties, including transparency, are comparable to those of virgin PC.

The PC resin produced by solvent-based recycling has high transparency, making it suitable for closed-loop and horizontal recycling; for example, recycling discarded vehicle headlamps into new headlamps or other transparent components. In this way, solvent-based recycling helps promote adoption of recycled materials and supports compliance with upcoming regulations.

In addition, because the solvent-based process does not involve breaking down materials to their chemical components, costs can be kept lower compared to PC resin produced via chemical recycling. Furthermore, compared to chemical recycling, solvent-based recycling involves fewer process steps, which helps to reduce CO2 emissions.

Molded product incorporating recycled PC resin produced using solvent-based technology.

Teijin aims to commercialize PC resin produced using solvent-based recycling by fiscal year 2026. In addition, the company will continue research and development work on solvent-based recycling to further improve the quality of PC resin produced through this method.

Posted: November 25, 2025

Source: Teijin Group

Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA): Full-Term Meeting Of The Industry Research Group Polymer Recycling

AACHEN, Germany — November 7, 2025 — Another successful year in our Industry Research Group Polymer Recycling is over.

We are proud to work with great industry partners to tackle the exciting challenges of textile recycling. Last week, we met at the ITA Institute for Textile Technology at RWTH Aachen University for the final meeting of the current project year. Together, we presented and reviewed the project results and set the course for the coming year in focused and productive discussions about enabling textile recycling. Here’s to another year full of new opportunities, effective collaborations and exciting projects. Let’s continue to drive change in 2026!

A huge thank you to our project partners for the great teamwork and shared passion for this important topic!

  • BASF;
  • Bekaert;
  • EREMA Engineering Recycling Maschinen und Anlagen Ges.m.b.H.;
  • Fibrant;
  • REMONDIS Recycling;
  • Technip Energies;
  • Oerlikon Barmag; and
  • STADLER Group.

The Industry Research Group (IRG) Polymer Recycling is an ongoing cooperation project between companies interested in the field of textile recycling, ITA Technologietransfer GmbH and the ITA Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University.

The aim is to systematically address technological, economic and strategic issues along the entire textile recycling value chain and to create a strong network to tackle the challenges.

Posted: November 25, 2025

Source: Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University

BlueCherry® By CGS And Lodestar Announce Strategic Partnership To Transform Italian Fashion Supply Chains 

NEW YORK CITY & MILAN — November 26, 2025 — BlueCherry® by CGS, a global supplier of end-to-end fashion supply chain solutions, today announced a strategic partnership with Lodestar, an Italy-based technology company and system integrator.

Lodestar will serve as the official reseller of the BlueCherry suite of modular solutions in Italy, bringing advanced ERP, PLM, SFC, WMS, Quality, ESG, and Digital Product Passport (DPP) tools to fashion, apparel, footwear, and lifestyle brands across the region.

To mark the launch of the partnership, BlueCherry and Lodestar will host an introductory kick-off event on November 26, 2025, at Lodestar’s Milan offices. The event will bring together Italian fashion executives, industry media, and technology leaders from across Italy.

The collaboration brings together BlueCherry’s proven track record as a trusted global partner to Fortune 500 fashion brands with Lodestar’s local expertise and integration capabilities, enabling Italian companies to fast-track digital transformation, strengthen compliance, and realize measurable ROI.

“Italy has always been at the forefront of fashion design and craftsmanship, and now its brands are embracing digital transformation at speed,” said Paul F. Magel, president of BlueCherry by CGS. “Our partnership with Lodestar allows us to deliver the full breadth of the BlueCherry suite to Italian fashion companies, giving them the agility, compliance, and AI-powered insights they need to compete globally.”

“At Lodestar, we have always sought to partner with the world’s most innovative technology providers to deliver true business transformation for our customers,” said Fabio Luinetti, CEO of Lodestar. “By bringing BlueCherry’s unified, fashion-first platform to Italy, we can help apparel, footwear, and lifestyle brands modernize their supply chains, reduce costs, and achieve the visibility and sustainability today’s market demands.”

The BlueCherry–Lodestar partnership will focus on empowering Italian brands to:

  • Modernize operations with a unified digital thread across PLM, ERP, and shop floor.
  • Comply with ESG and EU Digital Product Passport mandates through embedded reporting and traceability.
  • Adopt AI-driven workflows to cut errors, speed decision-making, and forecast demand more accurately.
  • Scale globally with modular solutions tailored to fashion’s unique size, style, and allocation needs.

For more information about BlueCherry by CGS and the partnership with Lodestar, please visit www.bluecherry.com or www.lodestar.eu.

Posted: November 25, 2025

Source: Bluecherry® By Computer Generated Solutions, Inc. (CGS)

DuPont Innovation Awards Recognize The Best PPE And Fabrics Against Emerging Risks

DÜSSELDORF, Germany — November 18, 2025 — DuPont has announced the winners of its 2025 DuPont Innovation Awards for Thermal and Mechanical Protection, recognizing some of the most exciting developments in the personal protective equipment (PPE) and Emergency Response industries.

This year marks the first global edition of the awards — open to new products made using either Nomex® or Kevlar® fabrics or fibers. The expanded scope of the awards, recently held at the A+A show in Düsseldorf, Germany, acknowledges the growing demand for multi-hazard protection in light of evolving risks.

Reducing the environmental footprint of PPE, advancing recyclability and helping protect workers against unprecedented electrical hazards were among the common themes from this year’s entries. Firefighter safety also took center stage, with multiple entries addressing the growing awareness of the particulate hazards firefighters are increasingly exposed to, including emerging risks from electric vehicle fires.

“DuPont is proud to recognize the winners of our Innovation Awards that bring together Nomex® and Kevlar® innovations from all regions for the first time,” said Stephanie Vrakas, global market leader at DuPont Personal Protection. “These award recipients have developed innovative solutions for the Industrial PPE and Emergency Response industries through all-in-one, multi-hazard solutions that protect workers and firefighters more effectively while advancing sustainability.”

The awards’ judges evaluated each entry based on key aspects such as product performance, innovative design, quality of manufacturing, and environmental responsibility among others. Participants from all continents submitted entries across four categories: Nomex for Industrial PPE, Kevlar for Industrial PPE, Nomex Fabrics, and Nomex & Kevlar for Emergency Response.

Combining multi-hazard protection with sustainability was a source of inspiration for two of the winning products in the first category, Nomex® for Industrial PPE. Phenix protective clothing from French company, Groupe Mulliez-Flory, is made using Nomex Comfort fabric with EcoForce™ finish. It protects workers across the oil and gas, chemical, and electrical sectors against multiple hazards while enhancing durability and sustainability.

Spain’s Iturri S.A. has developed post-consumer Nomex Recycled garments for the oil and gas industry, using a fabric with 30 percent recycled materials.

Another winner in the Nomex for Industrial PPE category was the Weldforce Welding Suit from Türkiye-based İşmont Tekstil, which combines flame and heat resistance with enhanced mobility for demanding tasks.

The fourth and final winner was the 40 Cal LAN Series Arc Flash Suit from USA-based SureWerx. This ultra-lightweight suit provides optimal worker comfort while meeting the highest arc flash protection requirements for workers across renewables, electrification, and other sectors.

Three of the winners in the second category, Kevlar for Industrial PPE, were protective gloves that provide both performance and comfort. Swedish company, Ejendals, developed the TEGERA® welding gloves, combining heat and cut protection with optimal fit, comfort, and fingertip control.

The Kevlar SoftShield 379 Level A9 Liner, designed by Escorts Advanced Textiles in Pakistan, combines the highest cut protection level (A9) with the softest Kevlar-based fabric with steel reinforcement.

The ultra-light G-Tek® Paradox™ 21 Gauge (09-K3511) Cut Resistant Gloves, from American manufacturer, PIP Global Safety, deliver outstanding dexterity, tactile sensitivity, and heat resistance.

The fourth and final winner in the category was the Anti-laceration, Flame-Resistant, and Antistatic sleeve developed by France’s S.E.R.B. Regain Perform. This versatile PPE is ideal for law enforcement and security personnel as well as glass industry workers.

Firefighter protection was one of the driving forces behind most of the winners in the remaining two categories. Rambo Outershell Fabric for firefighter suits developed by Chinese company Ibena Shanghai features Nomex spun yarn interwoven with Kevlar filament, delivering tensile strength that’s 30 percent higher than conventional fabrics.

Nomex Xtreme Max, developed by Kipas Mensucat Isletmeleri A.S., from Türkiye, provides firefighter suits with high mechanical performance. UK-based PGI Safety Ltd developed the BarriAire Carbon Laminate Nano Flex Particulate Hood with enhanced performance.

Nomex Nano FlexLAM AIR hoods from France’s Alpex Protection Particulates feature an innovative air cushion between the different layers that increases breathability and thermal protection.

Another French winner was the 7158 Navy protective fire-resistant knit from Sofileta. This fabric can protect workers against electric arc hazards as well as chemical liquids according to the EN13034 standard.

Elastic Premium fabric for all types of protective garments, designed by German company, Theodolf Fritsche GmbH, uses a unique elastic yarn that is much more durable than Elasthan.

For more information about the DuPont Innovation Awards, visit: https://www.dupont.com/personal-protection/nomex-kevlar-awards.html

Posted: November 25, 2025

Source: DuPont

Milliken & Company And Numat Technologies Announce Strategic Partnership To Deliver Next-Generation Protection Solutions

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — November 25, 2025 — Numat Technologies Inc., a producer of Nobel Prize-winning metal-organic framework (MOF) materials, and Milliken & Company have announced a strategic supply relationship to deliver next-generation protective fabric solutions for defense, first responder and industrial customers. The integration of Milliken’s advanced textiles with Numat’s Sentinel® MOF technology platform will create functional, reactive, and self-decontaminating fabrics that enhance protection, breathability, and comfort in extreme environments.

“Our work with Numat is about bold innovation and real-world impact,” said Halsey Cook, president and CEO at Milliken. “Together, we are setting a new standard in protection — delivering textile solutions that not only help safeguard lives but redefine what’s possible in our industry.”

These MOF-enabled textile solutions are non-PFAS and will be manufactured in the United States, reflecting both organizations’ commitment to material innovation, environmental stewardship, and a strengthened U.S. industrial base. Key customers for this innovative chemical protection solution platform include chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) defense professionals and first responders seeking non-PFAS alternatives to legacy protective technologies.

“This partnership represents a generational leap forward in protective fabrics and suits,” said Ben Hernandez, CEO of Numat Technologies. “By combining Numat’s highly advanced MOF technology platform with Milliken’s textile technology and scale, we’re delivering sustainable, high-performance solutions that protect those who protect us.”

Future product development will include cutting-edge signature management and enhanced concealment textile technologies, integrating CBRN defense with adaptive battlefield camouflage performance.

“We’re not just supplying advanced materials — we’re driving American innovation to shape the future of protective textiles,” said Marcio Manique, senior vice president, and managing director for Milliken’s apparel business. “Partnering with Numat strengthens our leadership in core markets as we expand CBRN solutions that set the standard for performance and protection.”

Posted: November 25, 2025

Source: Milliken & Company

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