LENZING, Austria — January 12, 2012 — The Lenzing Group will continue to supply flame-resistant
specialty fibers for a new generation of U.S. Army combat uniforms. The signature of U.S. President
Obama on December 31, 2011 formally approving the National Defense Authorization Act enables the
delivery of “TenCate Defender™M” uniform fabrics for an unlimited period of time (“permanent
waiver”). The key component included in this fabric is the heat protection fiber Lenzing FR® of the
Austrian Lenzing Group. In principle, only clothing products “Made in USA” are allowed for the U.S.
Army. Up until now, textiles made from Lenzing fibers were supplied on the basis of a limited
exemption granted in the year 2008.
Lenzing exports flame-resistant fibers from Austria to its American cooperation partner
TenCate Protective Fabrics (TenCate). The company is the leading manufacturer of flame-resistant
fabrics for the U.S. Armed Forces. The President’s signature approving the waiver now allows
Lenzing to make the required volumes of the specialty fiber Lenzing FR® available to the U.S. Army
without restrictions in the future.
Lenzing FR® advantages
The uniform fabric Defender™M meets the enhanced need of U.S. soldiers for flame and fire
protection related to the rise in attacks using unconventional explosive and burning devices. In
contrast to other fibers, Lenzing FR® not only offers the stipulated flame and heat protection
properties, but comfort and good breathability and last but not least the fast and reliable
delivery capability of sufficient quantities on an industrial scale. The close cooperation of
TenCate and Lenzing combines excellence in the fabric development and production of flame-resistant
fibers.
TenCate Defender™M fabric with Lenzing FR® fiber offers superior protection and the high
wearing comfort of conventional non-protective fabrics.
In August 2007 TenCate was officially commended by the United States Marine Corps for
superior excellence in delivering an outstanding level of quality in its products and services in
response to the demands of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Posted on January 24, 2012
Source: Lenzing
