3M introduces new series of fire coat comfort trim

The new trim provides excellent reflectivity to help keep firefighters visible in low light conditions, the company said in a press release. It meets NFPA heat related requirements to not melt, drip, separate or ignite and comes in fluorescent lime-yellow in addition to fluorescent red-orange colours.

“The new series 5600 fire coat comfort trim is based on what firefighters from around the globe told us they need in the extreme conditions they face – trim that is more flexible and comfortable while retaining the performance in visibility and reflectivity that they've come to know and trust from 3M,” said Jennifer Sickmann, global segment marketing manager at 3M.

Traditionally, turnout gear trim has been sewn onto the garments, resulting in an elevated trim that tends to be stiffer and can be prone to snagging, especially in close quarters. Series 5600 fire coat comfort trim laminates onto fabric, creating a flatter surface with minimal catch-points.

During product development, 3M performed research and testing with firefighters from seven different garment manufacturers and nine countries. Testing was performed in a variety of harsh conditions across the globe to validate actual performance.

“I believe the series 5600 fire coat comfort trim will be a popular trim choice because its attributes align with what's important to firefighters in their gear overall – the need to act nimbly in gear that moves and flexes with them and doesn't have many catch-points,” Sickmann added. (NA)

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India