Italian protective fabrics producer Argar Technology, a division of Argar S.r.L, has launched three new flame retardant (FR) fabrics ranges which it will be showcasing along with its current range of innovative products at this year’s leading technical textiles exhibitions – Techtextil 2013, and A+A Safety, Security & Health At Work 2013.

New from Argar are a range of high visibility FR knits, an FR fleece line with antistatic and arc flash functions and an FR knitted fleece fabrics range with antistatic and wind proof properties.

Argar manufactures a wide range of single and double knit fabrics and accessories which are aimed at personal protective equipment (PPE) markets. The company is based in the Varese area of Northern Italy’s industrial heartland and combines intensive research and development activity with rapid response and reliability to approach its chosen markets – protective workwear, sportswear and garments for other technically demanding applications.

Noflam-HV

Noflam-HV is a new range of flame retardant, high visibility knitted fabrics specifically targeted to protect against fire, which is enhanced with a high visibility function, in Yellow Fluo colour.

“Protection, wearing comfort and extraordinary wash-fastness give these fabrics top level performance capabilities and the flame retardant features of Noflam-HV knitted fabrics fully comply with the specifications of EN11612 Certifications rules,” says Umberto Negri, Owner and General Manager of Argar Technology.

“The flame retardant function is guaranteed by intrinsic properties of the fabrics, assuring, in this way, the best performance and durability.”

Noflam-HV knitted fabrics also fully comply with the specifications of EN11612, EN471 and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Class II Certifications rules. The new range features Piquet and Sweat knits, together with coordinated accessories and rib fabrics and Argar guarantees that all Noflam-HV knitted fabrics and accessories are both manufactured and finished in Italy.

Noflam-HV fabrics are worn by workers employed in aeronautics industry and by rescue workers such as fire fighters and special rescue teams and, in many other fields where protection against fire and high visibility are essential.

New multi-function FR fabrics

Also new from Argar is a range of knitted fabrics which offer FR, antistatic and arc flash protection all in one fleece fabric. The multi function fleece fabrics, which are now in production at Argar’s Busto Arsizio factory, are certified to EN11612, EN1149, EN61482 and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Class II standards.

Aiming to provide further protection from the elements, Argar has also introduced another new fleece quality which offers FR and antistatic protection and which has a breathable wind proof membrane on the inside of the fabric. Full EN11612 and EN1149 certification is assured.

Made in Italy

“Until a few years ago Argar Srl was like many Italian textile producers, swimming against the tide in a traditional mature market. However, inspired by the latest knitting and finishing technologies and stimulated by a strong desire to innovate, the company invested both high levels of energy and financial resources in the search for new horizons,” says Argar’s Sales & Marketing Manager Lorenzo Ferrario.

Argar Technology was founded upon the concept of creating a completely localised manufacturing system embracing efficiency and the highest level of quality control against a competitive backdrop of low tech and low quality imports. In other words the company set out to make high quality innovative products which carried the ‘Made in Italy’ name.

Knitted accessories

According to Argar, the manufacturing of textile accessories for garments is its wildcard in the market place. The company manufactures a wide range of fully certified trims and accessories for protective clothing including: polo collars; short sleeve polo lists; long sleeve polo cuffs; waist bands; cuffs; collars for sweats and jackets and all kinds of custom made accessories.

Protal partnership

Argar also has an active partnership running with the Waxman Group and is officially authorized to use the Protal brand for knitted fabrics and accessories. The new project has generated the production of a range of knitted fabrics including Piquet, Sweat and accessories, featuring Protex fibres, with flame retardant, antistatic and arc flash protection functions, which are fully certified to EN11612, EN1149, EN61482 and Oekotex Standard 100 Class II.

Lorenzo Ferrario sums the company’s exciting year to date:

“At Argar ideas become reality faster and faster and 2013 is the year of large investments in new technologies and in excellent new multi-function fabric ranges.”