Lakeland Industries, Inc., has announced that its California PPE Recon, Inc.subsidiary, which specializes in personal protective equipment (PPE) care and maintenance services, has entered into a long-term lease agreement with Tersus Solutions.
This partnership will bring a new CO₂ advanced cleaning and decontamination machine to California PPE’s Riverside, California facility.
The system is currently in production and expected to be showcased at FDIC International 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana, before being shipped to California PPE’s Riverside facility for installation.
California PPE’s addition of waterless CO₂ cleaning and decontamination options will complement the advanced wet wash solutions currently employed by California PPE.
It is expected to further improve overall cleaning performance.
The Tersus machine will be the first CO₂ turnout gear cleaning system in California.
Jim Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer of Lakeland explained: “California PPE continues to invest in capabilities that help fire departments reduce exposure risks and extend the life of their protective gear.
“Adding a waterless CO₂ decontamination option alongside our advanced wet wash processes expands the tools available to departments seeking the highest standards in gear care, readiness and firefighter health.”
Tersus’ proprietary liquid CO₂ process is designed to decontaminate firefighter PPE without water, detergents, or harsh chemicals, relying on the solvency and phase changing properties of liquid CO₂.
Based on observed and third-party testing, Tersus has shown the CO₂ cleaning process can remove up to 98% of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a type of harmful combustion byproducts that can lead to long-term health risks.
In addition, because the gear exits the system dry, the process can help shorten turnaround time and return gear to service faster.
Peter Whitcomb, Chief Executive Officer of Tersus Solutions added: “Our partnership with California PPE reflects a shared commitment to protect the people who protect all of us.
“At Tersus, our mission is simple: every firefighter deserves to put on clean PPE and take it off knowing it will be restored to the highest standard.
“California PPE’s investment in our technology demonstrates their leadership is prioritizing firefighter health, safety, and long-term wellbeing.
“These men and women now have access to the most advanced PPE cleaning process available, ensuring their gear is cared for with the same dedication they bring to every call.”
