Milliken, Numat Launch Self-Decontaminating Fabrics for Defense and First Responders
Milliken & Company and Numat Technologies are combining forces to bring a new generation of self-decontaminating, reactive fabrics to the defense and first responder markets.
The partnership pairs Milliken’s advanced textile expertise with Numat’s metal-organic framework technology to create protective clothing that balances safety, breathability, and comfort in extreme environments.
The collaboration creates fabrics that neutralize chemical and biological threats while avoiding PFAS chemicals, a class of substances under growing regulatory scrutiny.
Manufacturing will take place in the US while key users include chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense units, along with first responders seeking modern alternatives to legacy protective gear.
Numat CEO Ben Hernandez framed the partnership as a generational leap, adding that the companies are “delivering sustainable, high-performance fabrics that protect those who protect us.”
Textile Protection Developments
Several companies are actively advancing protective suit technology, prioritizing enhanced safety, comfort, and adaptability across diverse operational environments.
GORE-TEX Labs has unveiled a new generation of PYRAD flame-retardant combat suits designed to keep soldiers cool, protected, and agile even, in temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).
The company also introduced a lightweight, all-weather jacket tailored for soldiers operating in cold and windy conditions.
In Turkey, Raff Military Textile has entered the market with innovative multi-functional uniforms that combine fire resistance, water repellence, and insect-repellent treatment — specifically engineered for soldiers in hot and tropical climates.
Meanwhile, Crye Precision recently launched its G3.5 Series, featuring flame-resistant, moisture-wicking combat shirts and trousers designed to enhance mobility, ventilation, and overall operational comfort.
