Fire-resistant Fabrics a Hot Trend in Specialty Fabrics
A new report from ResearchAndMarkets.com forecasts record growth in the global fire-resistant fabrics market. The study predicts the market will increase by $1.8 billion to $3.5 billion in 2025. Global Market Insights predicts that the industrial protective fabric market in general will be even bigger by 2025: $9 billion.
Fire Resistant Cotton Popular in Many Industries
Treated or fire resistant cotton and fire resistant viscose are leading the fire resistant fabric industry’s growth, with a potential growth rate of 4.8%. Cotton fabric that has been chemically treated with a fire-retardant material is gaining popularity in the fire fighting, military, industrial protective clothing, oil and gas, transportation, chemical, and furnishings industries. New technology, including advancements in the curing process for fire resistant cotton, are contributing to the popularity of this material.
Increased Number of Residential Fires Caused by Ignited Home Furnishings
A general trend towards making our homes and workplaces safer is fueling the popularity of fire resistant fabrics. Residential fires are responsible for 80% of fire deaths and property losses. Between 2006 and 2010, 20% of home fires in the United States started when an upholstered furniture piece caught fire. While the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has not yet established national standards for assessing the flammability of residential upholstered furniture (RUF), an increasing trend in fire-related deaths has caused them to focus more of their research on RUF. A new regulation requiring fire resistant fabric could significantly impact the specialty fabrics industry.
More Stringent Industrial Standards Around the World
In 2010, the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) made it mandatory for workers in the oil and gas industry to wear fire-resistant clothing. Other industries and regions cannot be far behind in implementing similar regulations. South America, in particular, is making workplace safety a higher priority. 60% of Peru’s export revenue comes from the mineral extraction industry. In 2011, Peru implemented new legislation aimed at making miners safer. As electrical arcing injuries are the most common form of electrical injury in mining, fire resistant clothing has been an important component of the new safety regulations.
HAZMAT Suit 
Fire Fighting Gear
Fire resistant fabrics have the potential to save hundreds of lives each year, and many different industries and government organizations are starting to realize the value of this life-saving specialty fabric. Read an example of how one of our customers Silver Needle, utilizes Autometrix Cutting Solutions in the creation of their flame retardant clothing here.
If you are in a business that is contributing to fire safety through your products, let us know and we’d love to partner with you and help grow your business!