How non-PFAS fabric impacts the performance of turnout gear

How non-PFAS fabric impacts the performance of turnout gear

PFAS has been used to fortify textiles and other materials for decades, creating resiliency and durability that is critically important in items like turnout gear. But while the effectiveness of PFAS is not in question, its effect on first responders is being studied and regulations are changing; Massachusetts and Connecticut have already passed bans on the use of PFAS in firefighters’ protective equipment beginning as early as 2027. So the question is - when we shift to non-PFAS materials to safeguard firefighters and comply with new regulations, what will we lose?

The Right Stuff

It’s only natural to have concerns about the transition to non-PFAS, especially when you’re comfortable with the type of gear you’ve depended on for years. But with the right fabric manufacturer in your corner, you can rest easy, knowing that your gear will get the job done while getting rid of the unnecessary PFAS.

Milliken eliminated the use of PFAS chemistry from its fire service fabrics in 2021, and now boasts the the only high-performing, non-PFAS, non-halogenated Flame Resistantance composites readily available on the market today. In November 2024, these composites were able to meet and exceed the stringent NFPA 1971-2018 standard during the third-party testing process. Now, they’re certified to the new NFPA 1970-2025 standard, too. What’s more, every individual layer that makes up both composites is UL-certified.

Breaking It Down

Whether you’re assessing the comfort and fit, safety, or durability of your firefighting gear, Milliken’s three-layered system made with non-PFAS composites will exceed your expectations and meet changing regulatory needs.

Comfort and Fit

The pounds you put on with your turnout gear are a reality—so lightweight materials that allow for maximum mobility are a necessity.

The Milliken system’s outer shell, Milliken Horizon™, is non-PFAS and lightweight, while providing industry-leading strength retention and appearance. The Milliken non-PFAS thermal liner, Milliken Equinox™, helps keep your crew cool while moving efficiently. It offers superior wicking and moisture management, specifically designed to release moisture quickly, resulting in quick dry times and high levels of comfort and protection.

Safety and Wellbeing

With Milliken composites, performance standards have not been sacrificed for the sake of non-PFAS materials. All existing standards and performance expectations are met or exceeded—without the use of PFAS.

Milliken Assure™, launched in October 2024, is a non-PFAS, non-halogenated Flame Resistant moisture barrier. Its innovative composition—two layers of fabric, rather than the traditional three—scored both a high THL (Total Heat Loss) and high TPP (Thermal Protective Performance) in 2024 Third Party Testing. Detailed results from the third-party testing include:

Detailed results from the third-party testing include:

Composite 1: Horizon/Assure/Equinox 3-Layer

Total Heat Loss (THL): 275
Thermal Protective Performance (TPP): 40.9

Composite 2: Horizon/Assure/Equinox 2-Layer

Total Heat Loss (THL): 293
Thermal Protective Performance (TPP): 38.2

NFPA requirements: THL: 205 (minimum) and TPP: 35 (minimum)

Durability

Without the PFAS, will your gear maintain the durability you’re accustomed to? Consider factors like tear strength and color retention during the transition to investing in non-PFAS garments.

Milliken Horizon™, the system’s non-PFAS outer shell fabric, maintained 98.9% of its tear strength in NFPA’s multi-conditioning testing. That’s serving up one of the highest strength retention rates possible in the fire service industry, across PFAS and non-PFAS materials alike.

And when it comes to color retention, Milliken non-PFAS materials still benefit from proprietary technology called ColorSeal™ that guarantees protection from fading due to UV exposure, washing, and wear.

Choosing Non-PFAS

So what will you lose when you make the shift to non-PFAS gear? Just the PFAS.

“Milliken is proud to be the only U.S. manufacturer offering non-PFAS fabric for every layer of turnout gear, but more importantly, we're proud that these fabrics exceed performance standards," said Marcio Manique, SVP of Protective Fabrics for Milliken. “Our team is passionate about helping to protect first responders, and our certification results prove that firefighters don’t have to compromise on health, protection, or comfort when choosing the right turnout gear."

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Milliken has been developing fabrics for the fire service industry for more than 50 years and has more than 80 years of flame resistance expertise, dating back to our work with the U.S. military during World War II. Our commitment to using science to solve our first responder's biggest challenges is steadfast and most importantly, proven

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