The DuPont and Gelvenor Textiles, two leaders in the protective textiles industry, have joined forces to drive the local manufacture of Nomex and Protera flame and arc resistant fabrics. DuPont has certified Gelvenor as the South African manufacturer that will produce these fabrics to DuPont’s standards.

In conjunction with the AAD Expo held at Waterkloof Airbase in Pretoria in September, DuPont and Gelvenor Textiles hosted the launch of the locally-manufactured Nomex and Protera fabrics. The launch took place on 20 September at the AAD Expo and was attended by individuals representing the DTI, SAPS, and various other purchasing and specification authorities.

DuPont Nomex and Protera are inherently flame and arc resistant fabrics, woven from yarn that is engineered to provide superior, longer-lasting protection. Fabrics that are only treated chemically for flame and arc resistance quickly lose their protective qualities due to washing and wear and tear, resulting in a higher cost-per-use. Fabrics with protection that is inherent and built in at fibre level will hold their protective qualities long after chemically-treated fabrics have lost their ability to protect workers, the companies explain.

“South Africa is at a crossroad – in order to create long-term sustainable employment, we need economic innovation, and this has its roots in the development of knowledge networks. These networks form the basis of the Gelvenor/DuPont partnership,” commented Dicky Coetzee, Gelvenor CEO.

For years, Nomex and Protera fabrics have been imported into South Africa. Gelvenor Textiles and DuPont have invested considerable resources into the research and development of protective textiles, and into driving the local manufacture of these two world-class products to the international standards required by the market.

Both companies are excited about the potential these fabrics have to develop new and current African markets, as well as to expand the South African economy through supporting and bringing value to the local textile chain. The fabrics meet international safety requirements, and local manufacture by Gelvenor will ensure that they comply with PPPFA legislation for tenders and contracts.

Accessibility, better service delivery and complete transparency in the production process will save local garment manufacturers time and energy, and the inherently-protective fabrics will give these manufacturers the opportunity to provide a much higher level of worker safety, the companies conclude.

www.gelvenor.com