Bulwark, a leading manufacturer of FR apparel will incorporate a new FR denim technology from Mount Vernon FR in its new line of denim jeans.

Mount Vernon FR recently launched Phoenix TC denim, which is a blend of Tencel and cotton and offers the softness and comfort of FR jeans without a trade-off in durability.

Mount Vernon says Tencel is a cellulosic fiber like cotton, yet it is the strongest cellulosic fiber available and is used to make fabrics softer and more comfortable without sacrificing performance.

“Despite the added strength, denim made with Tencel feels lighter than its true weight and smooth surface of Tencel makes fabrics, inherently softer without relying on chemical softeners, which may not be durable”, it adds.

“We are committed to designing, developing and distributing the best FR garments, without compromise,” says Robert Grimes, Managing Director at Bulwark.

“Phoenix TC denim adds a greater level of comfort to the durability and protection that are expected in our FR denim jeans and will be a great option for our electric utility and oil and gas customers”, he informs.

According to a recent study conducted by Mount Vernon FR with American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), 91 percent of all respondents rated the combination of comfort and durability as important to their purchase of FR fabrics.

However, only 58 percent of respondents say that they are satisfied with the comfort of the FR fabrics they are currently purchasing, and only 57 percent are satisfied with the durability.

“The results of the survey represent nearly a half-million employees that wear flame resistant clothing (FRC) on the job”, Mount Vernon informs.

“Our research shows that safety managers may be making some compromises when it comes to the comfort and durability of FR apparel”, says Mike Woods, VP of FR fabrics at Mount Vernon FR.

He explains, “Phoenix TC denim gives them more of what they want in FR jeans – both comfort and durability, without having to make any tradeoffs.” (AR)