Austria-based textile and nonwoven cellulose fibres producer Lenzing showcased its Lenzing FR fibre as a complete solution for applications in firefighter protective clothing, at this year’s Interschutz international trade fair, which is hosted in June every five years.

This year’s Interschutz event, which took place from June 8 to 13 in Hannover, Germany, showcased new fire-prevention, safety and security products and technologies, as well as disaster relief and rescue services.

The company states that each layer of Lenzing FR protective fibre offers protection and comfort. Created on a cellulose basis, the fibre protects firefighters from heat stress that results from heat accumulation – one of the most frequent reasons for failed emergency service deployment.

Moreover, Lenzing FR can offer a tailor-made concept of different layers of fabric for each respective application.

“The fibre is based on wood and, owing to its naturalness, the Lenzing FR fibre guarantees the best moisture absorption and breathing properties through all the layers it comprises. “In particular, gear for the head and hands, which perspire profusely, requires better sweat transportation, which is guaranteed with Lenzing FR,” says the company.

Further, tests confirm the effectiveness of Lenzing FR. Compared with other, more commonly used protective clothing, Lenzing FR protective clothing can reduce second- and third-degree burns by up to 30%.

The company adds that the cracking of fabrics is also reduced or prevented.

Further, in physiological tests, Lenzing FR demonstrated that fibre works most effec-tively in layers.

“The best values are obtained when the test person is wearing materials that are both flame-retardant and absorptive. Additionally, the breathing properties of Lenzing FR lead to a lower body temperature, which gives firefighters a higher performance profile as a result.

“The added performance amounts to 16 W. In practice, this means running for one minute longer, which can save lives,” says the company.

Global Application
Lenzing FR is available in a variety of colours for different emergency forces and is, therefore, used extensively in international protective clothing.

“The flame-retardant fibre is particularly suitable for use in countries with a very hot climate, as optimum moisture regulation is a matter of survival in these areas,” notes the company, adding that Lenzing FR is known as a “skin-friendly protective fibre”.

The fibre is also used in numerous working areas as the optimum protection against sources of heat. Unique heat insulation properties, combined with permanent flame-retardant properties, make Lenzing FR a noteworthy product, which provides good moisture management, reducing the risk of deadly heat stroke.