Defender M fabric to protect Norwegian marines

13 April 2010, Almelo - TenCate Protective Fabrics reports it has secured a important order from the Swedish manufacturer Gulins Business Design AB for the supply to the Norwegian FLO (Defence Logistic Organisation) of inherently flame-resistant TenCate Defender M fabric in the new colour dark blue. The order involves the supply of fabric for more than 25,000 sets of clothing over two years to protect the Norwegian marines.

TenCate says the order is the result of ongoing product development based on specific customer needs and thanks to patented technology and the success of TenCate Defender M that was developed by TenCate Protective Fabrics in the US, the Research & Development team of TenCate Protective Fabrics in Nijverdal (the Netherlands) has realized a new composition.

Defender M was already available in a variety of camouflage patterns and solid colours for the uniforms of land and air forces and the protective fabric is now available in dark blue and black. TenCate says It can now also be used for other markets, such as Marine Corps and police forces (including riot police and special squads), which principally wear the colours black or blue for their operations. The fabric for this order will be produced in Nijverdal in the Netherlands.

 Ramon Overdijk, Marketing & Sales Manager of TenCate Protective Fabrics EMEA explains: "The characteristics of TenCate Defender M are unique. In addition to the excellent protection it provides against heat and fire and its anti-static properties when there is a risk of explosion, the fabric is also exceptionally comfortable to wear, allowing great freedom of movement. The fabric is cooling, breathable and moisture-regulating, thanks to the use of Lenzing FR rayon fibres in its composition; it is also durable and provides excellent resistance to wear, tear and fading. As an optional extra TenCate Protective Fabrics offers a durable finish that repels petrol splashes."

 European wearer trials

TenCate expects total revenues from TenCate Defender M products to increase further, which will involve a wider geographical spread of sales as well as expansion of its applications. Military wear trials are currently being conducted in several European NATO countries. TenCate says it will not be issuing any further statements about these trials.

 Continued development and innovation of the TenCate Defender M product portfolio is focused on new applications and new functionalities, such as laminates and stretch. Collaboration with fibre suppliers and garment makers, and in particular with the military organizations involved, is of strategic importance in developing products that meet the wishes and specifications of soldiers, marines and police officers.

 Breathable and comfortable

TenCate and fibre producer Lenzing from Austria have combined their knowledge of the development and production of flame-resistant fabrics with fibres that are inherently flame-resistant and comfortable to wear. The Lenzing FR fibre is a key ingredient of TenCate Defender M fabrics. Unlike other flame-resistant fibres, Lenzing FR fibre not only offers inherently flame-resistant properties but is also said to absorb moisture. This combination makes the fabric breathable and comfortable to wear, TenCate says.

 Standard fabric

TenCate says its Defender M fabrics continue to be selected as the fabric of choice for flame-resistant combat uniforms worn by the US Army and the US Marine Corps. The responses from the field regarding TenCate Defender M fabrics are consistently positive, and data show a reduction in the number of injuries related to IED (improvised explosive devices) attacks, the company says.