Milliken & Company has announced it is the first textile manufacturer to offer non-PFAS materials for all three layers of firefighter turnout gear.
These layers include the outer shell, thermal liner, and moisture barrier, according to Milliken.
The company stated that its offering ensures access to a complete system from a single U.S.-based supplier, enabling garment manufacturers to test the layers as a system.
Milliken emphasized the importance of maintaining a chain of custody to reduce delays and facilitate faster distribution of protective gear to firefighters.
Marcio Manique, Senior Vice President of Protective Fabrics for Milliken, said: “Milliken is proud to be the only U.S. manufacturer offering non-PFAS fabric for every layer of turnout gear, but more importantly, we’re proud that these fabrics exceed performance standards.”
Milliken’s three non-PFAS composites are branded as Horizon™, Assure™, and Equinox™.
The Horizon outer shell is lightweight and designed to maintain its strength and appearance over time.
Assure is a non-halogenated, flame-resistant moisture barrier that surpasses NFPA 1971-2018 standards.
Equinox is a thermal liner designed for moisture management, quick drying, and enhanced comfort.
Milliken’s products aim to provide high levels of safety and functionality while meeting industry needs for non-PFAS solutions.
Independent testing demonstrated that Milliken’s composites exceeded the performance criteria outlined in NFPA 1971-2018, despite reduced requirements in the newly published NFPA 1970-2025 standard.
Testing results showed the Horizon/Assure/Equinox 3-layer composite achieved a Total Heat Loss (THL) of 275 and a Thermal Protective Performance (TPP) rating of 40.9.
The Horizon/Assure/Equinox 2-layer composite achieved a THL of 293 and a TPP of 38.2, exceeding the NFPA requirements of 205 for THL and 35 for TPP.
All layers are UL certified, ensuring compliance with safety and performance benchmarks.
Legislation banning PFAS in firefighter protective equipment has already passed in Massachusetts and Connecticut, with implementation deadlines beginning in 2027.
Milliken noted that its composites are the only high-performing, non-PFAS, non-halogenated flame-resistant options currently available.
The company eliminated PFAS from its fire service fabrics in 2021 and extended this policy to its entire textile fibers and finishes portfolio by 2023.
Milliken & Company has become the first textile manufacturer to offer non-PFAS materials for all layers of firefighter turnout gear.
The company provides these materials in three composites: Horizon, Assure, and Equinox, all of which exceed NFPA 1971-2018 standards.
Independent testing confirmed superior performance levels, with Total Heat Loss and Thermal Protective Performance ratings surpassing NFPA requirements.
With upcoming legislative bans on PFAS, Milliken’s solutions address growing industry demands for safe, high-performing alternatives.
