Exhibitor Press Releases

TIVERTON – August 2025: Heathcoat Fabrics is proud to showcase its latest generation of best-in-class, high-performance PBI outershell fabrics for both structural and wildland firefighting at The Emergency Show 2025 – reaffirming its role as a trusted innovator in protective textile technology.

With over 50 years of advanced firefighter fabric engineering expertise, Heathcoat is recognised worldwide for delivering solutions that balance thermal protection, durability, and comfort. Its exclusive range for structural firefighting includes PbiPRO and PbiPRO-LP, both engineered to withstand extreme conditions while maintaining strength and flexibility. Woven to enhance air porosity and mobility, these market-leading fabrics are among the most comfortable PBI outershells available today. Alongside them, PbiCore, PbiMatrix, and PbiShield will be on display – each designed to protect firefighters in the most hazardous operational environments.

New for ESS25: the Next Generation in Wildland Protection and Technical Rescue Operations

Heathcoat Fabrics is proud to announce the launch of EmberX™, the only wildland firefighter fabric to incorporate PBI: renowned for its exceptional thermal resistance. Designed for both performance and extreme comfort, EmberX™ is set to redefine standards for protective garments in wildfire response.

Its launch comes at a critical time as the frequency and intensity of wildfires rise globally, underscoring the importance of advanced, lightweight protective solutions. Fire authorities are demanding kit that offers maximum protection, comfort, and adaptability. Simultaneously, garment manufacturers are seeking innovative materials that meet stringent safety standards while allowing for design flexibility. EmberX™ delivers on both fronts:

• Exclusive PBI Integration: EmberX™ is the only wildland fabric to feature PBI fibre, offering superior flame resistance, thermal stability, and durability under extreme conditions. EmberX™ performs 50% better on the dynamic flame test than other brands.
• Colour Versatility: EmberX™ can be dyed in a wide range of colours, enabling manufacturers to meet customer-specific branding requirements and improve visibility in the field.
• Certified Protection: Compliant with EN ISO 15384:2020+A1:2021 and AS/NZS 4824:2021+A1:2023, EmberX™ is suitable for both wildland firefighting and technical rescue operations.
• Stronger, Lighter and more Breathable: 25% stronger,10% lighter and more breathable than its competitors; making EmberX™ durable and comfortable for the wearer.

“EmberX™ is a breakthrough for both fire authorities and garment manufacturers,” said Zoë Webb, Sales Manager at Heathcoat Fabrics. “It combines the unmatched protection of PBI with the flexibility to create garments that are safe, comfortable, and visually distinctive.”

In addition, Heathcoat will unveil an exclusive range of lining fabrics featuring Heathcoat G+® Graphene print technology. The distinctive honeycomb pattern reflects the atomic structure of Graphene, highlighting its high heat conductivity, thermal resistance, anti-static properties, and natural antibacterial performance – all designed to further enhance firefighter comfort and protection.

Protecting fire services worldwide, Heathcoat’s firefighter outershell fabrics are complemented by a full portfolio of inherently flame-resistant base layers, hoods, and industrial PPE fabrics – developed to raise the benchmark for safety and performance in frontline protective wear.

Contact: ppe@heathcoat.co.uk