TenCate Protective Fabrics in partnership with Al Sada GT&C of Kuwait has secured a major TenCate Tecasafe Plus order for the delivery of inherently flame-resistant fabric for use in fire officers uniforms in the Kuwait Fire Services Department. The TenCate material used will be used as station wear and during fire investigation processes.

The Kuwait Fire Services Department (KFSD) embarked upon research to identify an inherently fire resistant fabric which could be used as a major component of their officers station wear and during fire investigation processes. The suit needed to be comfortable to wear during both station work and at operational incidents.

Mr Gert-Jan Breukink, regional sales manager Middle East at TenCate Protective Fabrics explains: “Officers from KFSD visited the Research & Development team of TenCate Protective Fabrics US with a specific brief as to the type of fabric, its composition, performance and colour requirements; the fabric was to be based on the TenCate Tecasafe Plus fabric.

"As a result, a bespoke, a multi-functional fabric was produced meeting their exacting needs. KFSD were specific in that any fabric for their organization must be produced in the USA or Europe, as should the finished garments. Following a lengthy tender process an award was made to Al Sada of Kuwait, who will manufacture garments in partnership with a European garment maker“.

Innovative textile technologies

The new uniforms for KFSD are based upon a 200 g/m2 (5.8oz) fabric with a 45% ppan-FR, 35% bio-cellulosic and 20% aramid composition in a dark navy ripstop finish.

The benefits of these protective fabrics are optimal FR protection, moisture management, comfort, durability and ease of maintenance; especially important in the extreme climatic conditions experienced in Kuwait, where summer temperatures can reach above 50C.

The protective fabrics will be used in the first place for 20,000 new work suits for the KFSD officers and firefighters.