PBO staple fiber to be exclusively provided to DuPont Specialty Products for firefighter clothing

Toyobo Co., Ltd. has agreed to exclusively supply PBO staple fiber, the world’s strongest organic fiber with the highest flame resistance^*, to DuPont Specialty Products Kabushiki Kaisha, a Japanese subsidiary of leading chemical manufacturer DuPont, for emergency response apparel. DuPont distributes the fiber through its global sales network.

The global market for firefighter clothing is expected to grow further thanks to expanding markets in China and India. Toyobo and DuPont are confident the use of PBO staple fiber, which has the highest levels of strength, tensile modulus and flame resistance among organic fibers, will enable the development and supply of next-generation firefighter garments that are lightweight and have super heat-blocking properties. Toyobo will make firefighting gear more functional and ensure firefighter safety by exclusively providing PBO staple fiber to DuPont.

* According to Toyobo’s research as of March 31, 2020

About PBO
A poly-p-phenylenebenzobisoxazole (PBO) fiber Toyobo developed and put on the market in 1998. It is the world’s strongest PBO fiber with the highest flame resistance. Among existing organic fibers, PBO has world-leading levels of strength, tensile modulus and heat resistance. The product’s many applications include firefighting gear, heat-resistant materials and racing car bodies.

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