Personal protective clothing: providing performance, safety and comfort

Personal protective clothing is one of the largest single segments of the performance apparel industry and is a major component of personal protective equipment (PPE). In most developed countries, PPE markets are characterised by their extreme competitiveness and maturity, and this has restrained their potential for growth. As a result, several PPE suppliers have been targeting developing markets in a bid to maintain their sales growth targets and enhance their global competitive position. Another challenge is to persuade workers to wear appropriate personal protective clothing whenever they face an occupational hazard. Workers are demanding increasingly that their protective clothing not only safeguards their health in the workplace but is also comfortable to wear – and manufacturers are responding accordingly. As a result, the use of high performance fabric with moisture management and thermal regulation properties has become widespread. Such factors have become powerful selling tools and are key to increasing compliance with regulations which call for the use of personal protective clothing. Furthermore, there is a drive for the personal protective clothing industry to become more sustainable by reducing consumption of petroleum-based materials and using sustainable raw materials and processes. This report provides an analysis of the PPE market and presents the key challenges facing suppliers of personal protective clothing. In addition, it includes detailed information on the main categories of personal protective clothing, the fibres and fabrics used in the manufacture of personal protective clothing and the latest product innovations in the sector. Furthermore, it provides information on the stringent standards and regulations enforced within the industry and provides an outlook for the future.

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