Demand for flame resistant fibres and fabrics is growing strongly and will continue to do so over the next five years, according to the latest issue of “Performance Apparel Markets” published by Textiles Intelligence.

Growth is being driven by increased interest in multifunctional protective wear and evermore stringent legislation in developed and developing countries. Indeed, basic workwear is being replaced by protective wear made from flame resistant fabrics, as flame resistance is combined with other properties -- including greater comfort.

In terms of market potential, general fire resistant apparel in the USA is estimated to be worth more than US$1,844 million a year, and this figure is expected to reach US$2,659 million by 2012. In Western Europe, heat and flame resistant protective clothing is estimated to be worth over Euro300 million (US$392 million), and is forecast to reach Euro382 million in 2012.

The man-made fibre industry is investing heavily in research and development into flame resistance, according to “Performance Apparel Markets”, with the result that a wide range of fabrics are available. Flame resistant fabrics are used in apparel for three main applications:

• industrial workwear;
• firefighters’ apparel; and
• professional racing apparel

In each case, the appropriate materials are chosen to suit the type of hazards prevalent.

Industrial workwear with flame resistant properties, for example, protects workers from injuries caused by flash fires and electric arcs. An increase in the amount of flammable and corrosive materials used in manufacturing has led to a rise in hazards which could cause severe or fatal burn injuries.

Firefighters have one of the most hazardous occupations and put flame resistant apparel to the ultimate test on a daily basis. Regulations are stringent and the fabrics used in firefighting apparel must meet an increasing range of requirements, including comfort.

Professional racers and those who work with them face the hazard of flash fires in their sport. Indeed, over the last few decades, the apparel worn by participants in professional racing has evolved as much as the cars have themselves -- and saved many lives in the process.

In terms of key producers, the market is highly fragmented, albeit with some well-known brands. Overall, the market is polarised between high-priced, high-performing products and low-cost, lower performance products. Products new to the market join established brand names such as DuPont’s Nomex, one of the best known flame resistant fibres on the market.

Key growth areas include multi-functional fibres in which flame resistance is combined with other properties, and growing demand in Asian countries. There are concerns over environmental issues, but the overall outlook for the flame resistant market is optimistic.