Pincroft, the largest textile dyer, printer and finisher in the UK, has developed a new camouflage pattern for the Dutch Ministry of Defence as part of a programme that aims to supply combat clothing and equipment to all military personnel of the Royal Netherlands Navy, Army, Air Force and Marechaussee (national gendarmerie).

Pincroft followed the guidelines of the new Netherlands Fractal Pattern (NFP) to create an eight-colour camouflage design that provides high levels of disruption to give soldiers better concealment when needed.

“The more colours are added to the design, the more disruption is created offering a greater degree of concealment,” explained  Chris Durkin of Pincroft’s development team. “Our experience in Infrared Reflective Technology (IRR) and military printing has resulted in a product we are very proud of.”

The fabric was created by global workwear textile manufacturer Carrington Textiles following the Dutch MoD’s requirements on comfort and protection. The result is a lightweight yet durable ripstop textile of 210gsm with a composition of 50% cotton and 50% high tenacity nylon.

The high cotton content of the fabric creates a uniform that’s comfortable to wear due to its softness to the touch, as well as being breathable and providing moisture wicking properties,.

Around 480,000 trousers and jackets will be delivered to officers from the Royal Netherlands Navy, Army, Air Force and Marechaussee and the overall pack also includes a raincoat, combat shirt and baseball cap.

“We were honoured to receive a regimental plaque to commemorate the launch of their new uniform and recognise the work we’ve done in developing it from the Dutch MoD,” said Carrington Textiles sales director Paul Farrel. “This marked the beginning of the issue of a new uniform to the Dutch armed forces. Congratulations to the DMO’s KPU company for all their hard work and to everyone at Pincroft and Carrington Textiles for playing a key role in the delivery of this transformational uniform.”

www.pincroft.co.uk