November 15, 2017 - DuPont recently presented its new Nomex® based fabrics and innovative protective solutions for firefighters and industry workers at this year’s A+A in Dusseldorf, Germany. They offer, for example, better protection for industry workers against the thermal effects of electric arcs. Moreover, the company announced the winners of the 'Nomex® Innovation Award 2017' at a gala ceremony on the first day of the trade show. The award is open to members of the DuPont™ Nomex® EMEA Partner Program, a carefully selected network of spinners, weavers, knitters and garment manufacturers.

The 50th anniversary of Nomex® inherently flame-resistant fibres was another highlight of the fair, in addition to various activities presented at the stand and throughout the year. DuPont invited its key partners worldwide – the partner program currently comprises 125 companies in 40 countries all over the globe – to a dinner at the iconic Rhine Tower to celebrate the occasion and express their appreciation for their support in making the brand what it is today.

Innovative protective apparel for firefighters and industry workers

For firefighters, DuPont presented garments featuring new outer shell fabrics such as Nomex® NXT, Nomex® 3DP and Nomex® 360 and introduced the new cutting-edge materials Nomex® Nano and Nomex® Nano Flex. The unmatched Nomex® technology provides maximum thermal protection with increased wearer comfort and offers an efficient barrier against toxic particles.

To protect industry workers from the thermal hazards of an electrical arc, DuPont showcased new Nomex® brand fibre-based fabrics combining very high arc resistance with optimized wearing comfort. Samples undergoing IEC/EN 61482-1 (Method A) arc flash testing have achieved ATPVs (arc thermal performance values) between 4 and 100 cal/cm2.

Nomex® Innovation Award – outstanding innovations to protect human lives

The DuPont™ Nomex® Innovation Award honours companies within the DuPont™ Nomex® Partner Program that are demonstrating excellence in terms of design or system integration and provide added performance or functionality. Various Nomex® partners have participated in this year's awards, particularly in the 'Fire-Fighting Innovation' and 'Thermal Industrial Innovation' categories.

The winners in the ‘Fire-Fighting Innovation’ category were:

Innovative solutions to hazardous particle protection by VIKING LIFE-SAVING EQUIPMENT A/S
S-GARD DYNAMATE by S-GARD Hubert Schmitz GmbH
Bristol's Particulate Protection Hood by Bristol Uniforms Limited
Hex Fire Intervention by Iturri 

In the ‘Thermal Industrial Innovation’ category, the award went to:

Open flame and tick protection garment in Rosneft corporate style by FPG ENERGOCONTRACT, JSC

Nomex® 50th anniversary – a reason to celebrate

Nomex® was a result of fundamental research and development (R&D) in the 1960s conducted by DuPont scientists Paul Morgan and Stephanie Kwolek. In 1967, these brand fibres were commercialized and have been used across a diverse range of applications. Today, more than three million firefighters around the world are protected by turnout gear, station wear and accessories made of Nomex® due to its unique combination of flame protection, durability and mobility. Nomex® is also used in apparels worn by military pilots and combat vehicle crew; auto racing drivers, pit crew members and track officials; and industrial workers at risk from flash fire and electric arc hazards. Furthermore, the fibre is used for honeycomb panels in aircraft production as well as for insulation materials in electrical engineering.

The new brand platform Nomex® Never Quit™ exemplifies the spirit of the heroes and innovators around the world who rely on the unparalleled protection of Nomex®, while underscoring the DuPont commitment to continuous innovation.

John Richard, DuPont™ Nomex® Global Business Director, said: 'We are proud of what Nomex® has made possible in the past. That’s why we will continue to innovate and collaborate with companies around the world, using the unparalleled protection of Nomex® to help solve the toughest challenges of the next 50 years, and beyond.”

Nomex® Knowledge Center to raise PPE safety awareness