Building on a Legacy: TenCate and the future of FR

November 6, 2024

TenCate Protective Fabrics’ Jason Traynor discusses the company’s long history, global reach, and modern flame-resistant fabric innovations

TenCate Protective Fabrics, a name synonymous with high-performance protective textiles, has been a critical player in the emergency response (ER) sector for decades. With a legacy spanning over 300 years, TenCate has consistently demonstrated commitment to innovation, producing fabrics that stand at the frontline of safety for emergency responders globally. To discover more about the innovation behind the scenes, International Fire Buyer caught up with Jason Traynor, TenCate’s VP of Global Emergency Response, to discover his insights into how the company’s history, approach to global standards, and dedication to research drive their mission to protect lives through high-quality fabrics.

Please give us an insight into the history and heritage of TenCate Protective Fabrics
The legacy of TenCate Protective Fabrics is a testament to its commitment to innovation and quality. Traynor underscores that “the TenCate brand is over 300 years old, with origins in The Netherlands. In the 1960s, we were the first to spin Nomex fibers into yarns used for turnout gear.” This pioneering spirit remains a foundational element of TenCate’s ethos, driving the company to constantly evolve and meet the rigorous demands of the ER industry.

This historic perspective shapes TenCate’s approach today, combining craftsmanship with cutting-edge technologies. As Traynor says, “Innovation has always been at the core of what we do – even back to our roots”. By staying ahead of industry trends and addressing the unique challenges faced by ER professionals, TenCate has cemented its place as a leading provider of protective fabrics worldwide.

How do you view the current global market for protective fabrics in Emergency Response?
The emergency response fabric market is a complex and competitive field, shaped by an intricate blend of regulatory standards. As Traynor explains, “The global market for ER fabrics is very robust and dynamic. It’s a market that is regulated by standards from NFPA, EN, ISO, along with various other regional requirements.” Meeting these standards is critical, but TenCate views compliance as only the beginning.

“The basic requirements are essentially rules of the game, but we strive for our fabrics to far outperform the baseline requirements,” Traynor emphasises. By collaborating with key partners like PBI Performance Products, TenCate aims to “understand unmet customer needs within the segment and then deliver innovative solutions to address these needs.” This proactive approach enables TenCate to develop products that not only meet but often exceed the expectations of ER professionals globally.

What are some of the key drivers and challenges you’re seeing across different regions?
Traynor describes how the demand for protective fabrics hinges on three fundamental criteria. Achieving the ideal balance between these factors is challenging, especially when considering regional variations. Traynor explains in more detail, “In general, there are three key drivers in this space: Thermal Protection, Comfort/Breathability, and Durability. Simultaneously maximising performance in these three areas is challenging, but our global Research and Development team works tirelessly to optimise our fabrics’ performance.”

In addition to these technical challenges, economic pressures further complicate the landscape. Traynor points out that “inflation and increasing raw material costs have been a pain point for the market and have negatively impacted the affordability of fire protective clothing in all regions.” By navigating these cost challenges while maintaining high standards, TenCate ensures that its products remain accessible and reliable, a necessity in the ER sector where lives depend on the quality of protective gear.

To read the full article, see our last issue here.