Hi-vis is one of the most common forms of PPE, so it is essential that buyers source hi-vis from responsible and reputable suppliers such as PULSAR®. The PCIAW® has reached out to PULSAR® to find out more about how the company ensures their hi-vis garments are the best they can be.
What is your company doing to improve the quality of hi-vis garments?
PULSAR®’s team of technical garment specialists are always developing solutions to problems wearers face, which the design department translates into functional and attractive new clothing. These designs are then hand-crafted at specially selected production facilities across the world.
To ensure the quality of PULSAR® garments the company regularly re-tests products to ensure they meet the highest level of performance. For example, PULSAR® recently tested its waterproof garments to meet Class 4, which is the highest level of EN343:2019 and 54% more waterproof than Class 3.
What are the benefits to end-users for procuring higher quality hi-vis PPE vs the cheapest option on the market?
Cheap protective products are a false economy, as you will likely need to purchase multiple items because of their shorter life expectancy compared to more durable products. Higher quality products generally last longer meaning fewer replacements, which is also a more sustainable option due to fewer garments being manufactured and shipped. Another significant advantage is that quality products are generally more looked after within the workforce, which further increases the life expectancy of the product, amplifying environmental and financial benefits.
PULSAR® garments can be trusted to last longer when compared to cheaper options on the market, using world-renowned component brands such as YKK for maximum reliability.
What is the material composition of your hi-vis and how does this affect the performance of the garment in day-to-day use?
Hi-vis clothing is mostly manufactured from polyester as this synthetic fibre is excellent at colour retention which helps to keep the garments bright after multiple washes and exposure to sunlight. Other fibres can be used in the blend such as cotton and other natural fibres to increase the comfort for the wearer.
For example, the PULSAR® Life polo shirts, incorporate a blend of GRS recycled polyester made from post-consumer textile waste and 55% Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) cotton. The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is a voluntary product standard for tracking and verifying the content of recycled materials in a final product.
What fabric technologies were adopted in the design to improve comfort, durability, or functionality?
In 2023, PULSAR® will be launching a new clothing collection called PULSAR® Life to further strengthen the company’s #BeGreenBeSeen philosophy. Not only are these garments designed and manufactured to the high performance expected to keep wearers protected and comfortable, but the collection also incorporates sustainable features such as GRS-accredited fabrics, BCI cotton, and pre and post-consumer waste.
Together with fabrics, component partners such as THERMOLITE® T3 EcoMade, DuPont Silavdur™ and YKK Natulon® Mechanically Recycled Zips are used throughout. THERMOLITE® T3 EcoMade insulation delivers premium softness and a higher warmth-to-weight ratio while being extremely lightweight. Combined with good packability and recovery, THERMOLITE® T3 EcoMade insulation sets new milestones for wearer comfort.
THERMOLITE® T3 EcoMade has been incorporated into the new PULSAR® Life insulated parka and reversible puffer jacket, which will be available in the coming months. Another benefit of THERMOLITE® T3 EcoMade is that it contains a minimum of 35% recycled plastic bottles.
The PULSAR® Life polo shirts also have an Ultraviolet Protection Factor rating of 40+, offering maximum protection against harmful UV rays. Both Life polo shirts and stretch combat trousers have been tested for 50 domestic washes for maximum durability.
How can design and services assist users in increasing the functional lifespan of hi-vis?
The life span of a product is extremely important, and the PULSAR® Life polo shirt was designed to last longer in addition to its sustainable production. The PULSAR® Life polo shirts incorporate a DuPont Silvadur™ anti-bacterial treatment, reducing bad odours which helps to reduce the need for washing the garment. This extends the life of the garment greatly, whilst reducing energy consumption, water consumption, and detergent usage, which all help the environment. Using higher quality longer life reflective tape in conjunction with a better base fabric gives us increased life expectancy across the range.
What sustainability considerations were employed within the product development and manufacturing process?
When starting the process of designing a product you must always consider where the fabrics and components are made, and PULSAR® tries to choose locally sourced materials which are always the most sustainable option. The fabrics and components must also be from a reputable and responsible producer, so PULSAR® Life incorporates GRS recycled polyester made from post-consumer waste.
PULSAR®’s global manufacturing partners are ISO 14001 accredited which means they always adhere to environmental standards, with efficient use of resources and reduction of waste. The company’s ultimate goal is to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal, SDG12, Responsible Consumption and Production.
PULSAR® consistently delivers high-quality sustainable products, showing that manufacturers don’t have to lower the quality of PPE to hit sustainability targets. The company continues to improve its hi-vis through testing and certification, so there is no doubt that buyers can rely on PULSAR®’s products to shine through when they’re needed most.