New line of controlled environment apparel launched
09/01/2006
By Angela Godwin
DuPont Personal Protection recently introduced its new line of apparel for controlled environments. Developed for professionals in the life science, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, electronics, food processing and medical device manufacturing industries, the Suprel® LS apparel is based on DuPont’s proprietary Advanced Composite Technology. According to the company, the patented bi-component fabric offers breathability and barrier protection, with a more comfortable feel than other materials.
“The Suprel LS line continues our efforts to listen to the voice of the controlled environment customer,” says Jessica Lai Perez, new business development manager for DuPont Nonwovens. “We have been repeatedly asked by customers to offer a product line that’s comfortable and delivers a level of protection that complements our premium Tyvek® IsoClean™ garments. Suprel LS fills that need by offering a unique combination of breathability and barrier protection with a softer feel and increased comfort, as compared to limited-use microporous film (MF), spun-bonded polypropylene (SBPP), SMS, SMMS, and low-barrier reusable garments currently available in the market.”
Perez says the fabric, which is available exclusively through DuPont, “provides ease of movement and less surface friction, which equates to ‘uncompromised comfort’ for the wearer.”
According to Dale Outhous, global business director for DuPont Personal Protection, “Suprel LS continues DuPont’s commitment to those working in controlled environments by delivering the comfort and protection required when garments are worn for an extended period of time, while maintaining a competitive price point.”
The new line was designed as a cost-effective alternative to the company’s premium Tyvek IsoClean apparel line. “By offering a cost-effective alternative...Suprel LS provides a strong addition to our line of contamination control garments,” says Outhous.
Perez says the fabric exhibits normal textile flammability per CPSC 16 CFR 1610. It is not fire-retardant, and therefore not intended for use around heat, flame, sparks or in potentially flammable or explosive environments. Suprel LS is treated for static dissipation, and has a static decay time less than 0.5 seconds per IST 40.2.
Silicone contamination, which has been traced to the thread used in cleanroom garments, is a growing concern for contamination-control professionals. The Suprel LS garments, according to Perez, “have been tested using infrared analysis of a hexane extract and no silicone was detected.”
DuPont worked closely with both customers and industry experts to develop the product. Beginning in early 2005, the development and refining process spanned a period of eighteen months. In the first half of 2006, Suprel LS was introduced into selected cleanroom markets and shown at several trade shows. “We introduced our most popular styles of coveralls and frocks for initial evaluation, and the overall response has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Perez.
Several styles of Suprel LS garments are now available, including a selection of coveralls and frocks, but an expanded portfolio of product styles is expected to launch later this month. “We believe in continually improving our product performance as well as cost position to remain competitive in this marketplace,” says Perez, “and [we’re] prepared to add more styles of Suprel LS garments as demand dictates.”
Suprel LS is available gamma sterilized to an SAL of 10-6, as well as bulk packaged. Select styles will be available in blue or standard white color.