DuPont Innovation Awards Celebrate Advances in PPE Safety and Sustainability

DuPont has announced the winners of the 2025 DuPont Innovation Awards for Thermal and Mechanical Protection, showcasing significant advancements in personal protective equipment (PPE) and emergency response industries. The awards, presented at the A+A show in Düsseldorf, Germany, recognized innovations using Nomex® and Kevlar® fabrics. This year marks the first global edition of the awards, reflecting an increasing demand for multi-hazard protection in response to evolving risks.

The awards highlighted the importance of sustainability and environmental responsibility, with many entries focusing on reducing the ecological footprint of PPE and improving recyclability. Firefighter safety was also a critical theme, as several products addressed the growing risks associated with electric vehicle fires and other emerging hazards. As stated by Stephanie Vrakas, Global Market Leader at DuPont Personal Protection, “DuPont is proud to recognize the winners of our Innovation Awards that bring together Nomex® and Kevlar® innovations from all regions for the first time.”

The judging panel evaluated entries based on performance, design, manufacturing quality, and environmental responsibility. Participants from all continents submitted their innovations across four categories: Nomex® for Industrial PPE, Kevlar® for Industrial PPE, Nomex® Fabrics, and Nomex® & Kevlar® for Emergency Response.

In the Nomex® for Industrial PPE category, several standout products received recognition. The Phenix protective clothing, developed by French company Groupe Mulliez-Flory, utilizes Nomex® Comfort fabric with EcoForceTM finish. This garment protects workers in the oil and gas, chemical, and electrical sectors from multiple hazards while enhancing durability and sustainability. Another notable entry was the Nomex® Recycled garments from Spain’s Iturri SA, which are made from 30 percent recycled materials. Turkish company İşmont Tekstil introduced the Weldforce Welding Suit, combining flame and heat resistance with improved mobility for demanding tasks. The final winner in this category was the 40 Cal LAN Series Arc Flash Suit from SureWerx in the USA, designed for optimal comfort while meeting stringent arc flash protection standards.

The Kevlar® for Industrial PPE category also yielded impressive entries, particularly in the protective glove sector. The TEGERA® welding gloves, created by Swedish company Ejendals, offer heat and cut protection alongside a comfortable fit. In Pakistan, Escorts Advanced Textiles developed the Kevlar® SoftShield 379 Level A9 Liner, which combines high cut protection with a soft fabric reinforced with steel. The American manufacturer PIP Global Safety produced the G-Tek® ParadoxTM 21 Gauge Cut Resistant Gloves, known for their dexterity and heat resistance. Lastly, the Anti-laceration, Flame-Resistant, and Antistatic sleeve from French company S.E.R.B. Regain Perform is designed for law enforcement and security personnel.

Firefighter safety emerged as a priority in the remaining categories. The Rambo Outershell Fabric for firefighter suits, developed by Ibena Shanghai in China, features Nomex® spun yarn interwoven with Kevlar® filament, providing tensile strength 30 percent higher than traditional materials. Another winner, Nomex® Xtreme Max, from Turkish company Kipas Mensucat Isletmeleri A.S., offers enhanced mechanical performance for firefighter suits. The UK-based PGI Safety Ltd designed the BarriAire Carbon Laminate Nano Flex Particulate Hood, featuring improved performance for firefighting applications. Additional innovations include Nomex® Nano Flex LAM AIR hoods from France’s Alpex Protection Particulates, which incorporate an air cushion to enhance breathability and thermal protection, and the 7158 Navy protective fire-resistant knit from Sofileta, designed to protect against electric arc hazards.

The 2025 DuPont Innovation Awards underscore the significant strides being made in the PPE sector, emphasizing safety, sustainability, and innovation. As industries continue to face new challenges, advancements in materials like Nomex® and Kevlar® will be crucial in protecting workers and first responders. For more information about the DuPont Innovation Awards, visit DuPont’s official website.