#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

2025-01-16

Milliken & Company becomes first textile manufacturer to offer Non-PFAS materials for every layer of firefighter turnout gear

Global diversified manufacturing leader Milliken & Company announced that it is the first textile manufacturer to offer non-PFAS materials for all three layers of firefighter turnout gear, including outer shell, thermal liner, and moisture barrier. Access to all three layers from a single U.S.-based supplier allows garment manufacturers to test the fabrics as a system while ensuring a complete chain of custody for the material — which can minimize delays and get gear into the hands of firefighters faster.

Milliken is proud to be the only U.S. manufacturer offering non-PFAS fabric for every layer of turnout gear, but more importantly, we're proud that these fabrics exceed performance standards," said Marcio Manique, SVP of Protective Fabrics for Milliken. “Our team is passionate about helping to protect first responders, and our certification results prove that firefighters don"t have to compromise on health, protection, or comfort when choosing the right turnout gear."

Illustration of the three layers in the non-PFAS composition including Milliken Horizon (outer shell), Milliken Assure (moisture barrier), and Milliken Equinox (thermal liner) © 2025 Milliken

The three layers in the non-PFAS composites include:

Milliken Horizon™: a non-PFAS, lightweight outer shell that provides industry-leading retention of strength and appearance year after year.

Milliken Assure™: a non-PFAS, non-halogenated, flame-resistant moisture barrier that exceeds NFPA 1971-2018 requirements.

Milliken Equinox™: a non-PFAS, slick thermal liner that offers superior wicking and moisture management, resulting in quick dry times and high levels of comfort and protection.

Third-Party testing results

The recently published NFPA 1970-2025 standard was issued with reduced performance criteria in anticipation of non-PFAS products having poorer performance; however, the Milliken composites were able to meet and exceed the more stringent NFPA 1971-2018 standard during the third-party testing process in November. Every individual layer that make up both composites are UL certified.

Chart providing data on Milliken Composite Performance vs NFPA standard requirements

Detailed results from the third-party testing include:

Composite 1: Horizon/Assure/Equinox 3-Layer

Total Heat Loss (THL): 275

Thermal Protective Performance (TPP): 40.9

Composite 2: Horizon/Assure/Equinox 2-Layer

Total Heat Loss (THL): 293

Thermal Protective Performance (TPP): 38.2

NFPA requirements = THL: 205 (minimum) and TPP: 35 (minimum)

Massachusetts and Connecticut have already passed bans on the use of PFAS in firefighters" protective equipment beginning as early as 2027. Milliken's composites are the only high-performing, non-PFAS, non-halogenated FR options readily available on the market today. The company eliminated the use of PFAS chemistry from its fire service fabrics in 2021, and across its entire textile fibers and finishes portfolio in 2023.

These fabrics are available for use in wear trials now. For more information, visit

https://contact.milliken.com/assure.

Polychim and Milliken partnership

Polychim Industrie, a brand of Beaulieu International Group, and diversified global manufacturer Milliken & Company today announced the introduction of two clarified polypropylene (PP) resin grades carrying a UL Environmental Claim Validation (ECV) label to Europe for the first time. Polychim utilized Milliken’s Millad® NX® 8000 ECO additive solution to debut its HJ45XI and HS45XI high-clarity PP grades that enables up to 10% less energy use during the molding process—verified savings that translate across the plastics value chain.

Milliken & Company names Allen Jacoby textile business president

Diversified global manufacturer Milliken & Company is pleased to announce Allen Jacoby as EVP and president of its textile business, assuming full operational responsibility for the company’s textile product portfolio. Jacoby has served as the company’s Chief Strategy Officer and SVP of Corporate Development and Innovation since 2021 and will succeed David Smith who is retiring after 45 years of dedicated service to Milliken, starting as an intern and working his way to the board room.

ANDRITZ sets focus on textile recycling and durable nonwoven production technologies at ITMA Asia 2025

International technology Group ANDRITZ will be presenting its innovative nonwovens production and textile solutions at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025 in Singapore, from October 28 to 31, 2025 (Hall 2, D106). ANDRITZ will showcase its MMCF production plants, textile sorting and recycling, bast fiber processing, needlepunch, airlay, and life-cycle service technologies, with a focus on sustainable solutions. Discover how these innovations can grow your business opportunities and support a greener future.

OUTLOOK™ 2025: Charting a sustainable and innovative future for the Nonwovens Industry

EDANA concluded its flagship event, OUTLOOK™ 2025, last week, marking it as a major success and addressing the biggest questions facing the industry. The three-day conference highlighted the urgent need for a unified approach to sustainability, regulation, and innovation in the absorbent hygiene and wipes sectors.

Global Nonwovens Alliance unveils Inaugural Board, advancing collaboration and growth worldwide

The Global Nonwovens Alliance (GNA), a tax-exempt federation jointly founded by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and EDANA, the Voice of Nonwovens, announces the appointment of its founding Board of Directors. This group of leaders represents some of the most influential executives across the nonwovens value chain and reflects GNA’s mission to foster global collaboration, innovation, and growth in the industry.

“Action helps us change what we do!”

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Pets in fashion: functional and sustainable textiles find new market at Intertextile Apparel

China’s pet economy is booming, especially amongst younger generations, and pet apparel – from designer outfits to functional garments – was a RMB 3.5 billion (over USD 500 million) market in 2024, growing more than 20% annually¹. To help exhibitors harness this trend, Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2026 will launch the Pet Boutique, presenting a range of innovative, sustainable materials that prioritise both functionality and comfort for pets.

VAUDE eliminates PFAS from all products

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are now detectable worldwide – in drinking water, soil and the human body. These so-called “forever chemicals” are considered hazardous to health and potentially carcinogenic, as they do not break down and remain in the environment permanently. Despite these risks, PFAS are still used in a wide range of products. More than 15 years ago, VAUDE made a strategic decision to gradually eliminate PFAS from all product categories.

Lenzing AG to become majority owner of TreeToTextile AB and accelerates industrialization of new fibers

The Lenzing Group is taking another strategic milestone by acquiring a controlling majority in the Swedish innovation company TreeToTextile AB. This step strengthens Lenzing’s position as a leading provider of sustainable, wood‑based specialty fibers and expands its innovation pipeline with a highly scalable, patent‑protected technology platform. The transaction is executed through the issuance of new shares.