Flame-retardant workwear

Inherently flame-retardant materials, also known as Inherent FR (Flame Retardant) materials, are made from fibres that are naturally flame-retardant, such as modacrylic or aramid fibres. Inherently flame-retardant materials are often fibre blends. Inherent FR fibres provide the blend with permanent flame-retardant properties. When the fibre ratios and fabric construction are properly designed, the entire material can meet flame-retardant protection requirements, even when the blend contains fibres that are not flame-retardant on their own.

The key advantage of Inherent FR materials is that their flame-retardant properties are built into the chemical structure of the fibres at the polymer level. This means that the protection does not rely on a separate chemical treatment but is a permanent property of the material itself. Inherent FR materials can provide excellent heat protection relative to fabric weight, enabling lighter and more comfortable workwear solutions. The flame-retardant properties can be expected to remain effective even after repeated washing.

Flame-retardant treated (FR-treated) materials also play an important role in protective workwear. Their flame-retardant properties are achieved through a chemical treatment that, in high-quality fabrics, penetrates deep into the fibres, ensuring that the protection remains effective even after repeated washing without requiring additional treatment during the garment's service life.

FR-treated fabrics are often more robust and well-suited for work environments where sparks, welding spatter and molten metal splashes are common. However, their suitability for a specific application always depends on product-specific certifications, tested protective properties and the risks associated with the working environment.

In some materials, flame-retardant protection is applied to the finished fabric as a surface treatment during the finishing process. The durability of the flame-retardant protection depends on the type of treatment, washing, wear and the manufacturer's instructions. If the flame-retardant treatment is not permanently bonded to the fibres, its effectiveness may decrease over time due to use and repeated washing.

In some cases, flame-retardant chemicals can be reapplied to garments after washing. However, certified protective clothing must always be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and approved care procedures.

Dimex offers seven different collections of flame-retardant workwear. We use only permanent flame-retardant protection in our products, meaning that the flame-retardant chemicals are either impregnated deep into the fabric fibres or the garments are made from inherently flame-retardant materials.