Southeast Asia personal protective equipment (PPE) Industry: High potential in industrial sectors owing to growing workplace safety awareness

Ranging from lab coats and full-body coveralls to metalled shoe and boot covers, sleeves, and smocks, protective clothing and equipment are available in a wide range. The industry has evolved from wool and leather to new synthetic fibers in fire protection application over the recent past.

Fire protection equipment (including clothing) is majorly based on six synthetic fibers named as meta-aramide, para-aramide, polybenzimidazole, melamine, polyphenylene benzobisoxazole, and polyimide. R&D in thermal insulation clothing provided by nonwoven textiles made with thin hollow fibers is expected to create new opportunity for the fire protective clothing market over the next seven years.

PPE manufacturers are constantly looking to inculcate better technology into their products. DuPont and Ansell have jointly developed a new glove technology called intercept technology which ensures high level of cut resistance. High modulus fibers based on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) provide 40% higher strength than aramid fibers which ensure protection against mechanical risks.

High level of R&D for product innovation and technological advancements in the field of multi-utility protective equipment by industry participants such as Honeywell and DSM are key factors expected to drive the market over the forecast period. Companies such as NASCO Industries have developed innovative flash fire resistant rainwear particularly for oil & gas industry operations.

Another major trend influencing the industry is increasing consumer preference for comfortable and lightweight protective wear which doesn't hamper operability. Additionally, changing fashion trends have resulted in altering the fitting of the earlier equipment along with installation of electronic gadgets within the protective suits.

Increasing environment-friendly products and cleaner process demand among protective clothing manufacturers is expected to lead to development of innovative manufacturing processes. These initiatives are further expected to increase the consumer rating of recognized manufacturers dedicated to using environmentally acceptable alternatives rather than petroleum-derived plastics.

Managing PPE supply and demand through a vending machine in companies in order to continuously track the availability and consumer preference is another significant development in the market. The need for customized PPE specific to certain industries coupled with improved wear ability and comfort is one of the major driving factors for industry expansion.

Technology for protection against various chemicals is based on two approaches. One of them is full barrier protection ensured by impermeable film laminated fabrics, and the other one offers protection ensured by semi-permeable adsorptive carbon liners that allow air exchange to pass and block liquids.

Surging demand for highly breathable clothing particularly for workers in confined spaces has further fueled the product development process. Activated carbon that is sprayed on the polyethylene nonwovens for the purpose of reduction of heat stress is one of the recent developments in this field. Carbon xerogel derived from sol-gels is coated on cotton and plasma-treated polypropylene (PP) fabrics are also being developed for shield against volatile organic compounds.

Recently, nano-composites fibers including nanoparticles or carbon nanotubes have displayed enhanced electrical and mechanical property and find application in protection against radiation and microorganism contamination. Along with providing high level of protection from external particles and microbes, the equipment also provides enhanced breathability and comfort.

Growing emphasis on eco-friendly manufacturing processes, sustainability, and green technologies among protective glove manufacturers is further supported by stringent government regulations regarding disposal of plastic products.

Glove manufacturers are shifting towards greener manufacturing technologies by using renewable resources such as solar and wind power. They are reducing costs by using less water and synthetic fuels. Companies are also utilizing water treatment processes and firmly adhering to waste matter discharge regulations.

General selection guide for glove materials based on the chemical resistance properties

S - Suitable

F - Fair, offering minimum but adequate protection, but not for prolong contact with the chemical

NR - Not recommended

NS* - Not suitable for use with nitric acid or sulphuric acid at high concentrations