Meeting the Challenges of PPE: How Narrow Elastics Lead the Way

March 25, 2024.

In the personal protective equipment (PPE) and industrial equipment industry, narrow elastics are indispensable in producing goods that adhere to the highest standards of performance and safety. George C. Moore manufactures a wide variety of elastics and non-elastic webbing in custom colors, with technical finishes and flame-resistant properties. These materials are used in various applications, including but not limited to waistbands, straps, cuffs, foldovers, and girdles, making them ideal for use in safety goggles, gloves, masks, coveralls, fall-arrest harnesses, and other protective equipment for industrial and occupational safety. As a pioneering manufacturer in narrow elastic production, George C. Moore is dedicated to providing innovative and tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of our clients in this sector.

Challenges for Designers

As a product development designer in the PPE and industrial equipment sector, sourcing materials that meet stringent performance, durability, and safety standards can be challenging. You often need elastics that can withstand extreme conditions of use and maintenance while ensuring the comfort and flexibility necessary for workers. Customizability is also crucial, as each application may require specific elastic characteristics. George C. Moore can provide innovative solutions by offering a wide range of elastics and non-elastic webbing with custom colors, reflective and flame-resistant properties, making them ideal for use in a variety of applications such as safety goggles and gloves, masks, coveralls, fall-arrest harnesses, and other protective equipment. These materials can be tailored to meet the unique requirements of your applications, helping you overcome these challenges efficiently.

Materials of Interest

In your search for materials, you seek not only durability and wear-resistance but also exceptional performance in industrial and personal protection environments. Comfort is a priority, requiring elastics that are comfortable to wear for extended periods and that can adapt to the varied movement needs of workers. Flexibility and stretchability are key attributes you look for in materials. George C. Moore understands these needs and offers elastics that meet these criteria. Our materials are designed to provide the durability and comfort required for industrial and personal protection applications, ensuring that your products meet the highest standards of safety and performance. Our elastics are used in a variety of applications, such as waistbands, straps, cuffs and foldovers, making them ideal for use in safety goggles, gloves, masks, coveralls, fall-arrest harnesses, welding sleeves, overall straps, among other protective equipment.

Pain Points in the Process

One of your primary pain points is finding materials that meet safety and performance standards without compromising comfort and flexibility. The material selection process can be complex, as you must consider safety regulations, durability, comfort, and ease of maintenance. George C. Moore can simplify this process by offering a variety of elastics and non-elastic webbing that meet safety and performance standards. Our materials are designed to be comfortable, durable, and easy to maintain, allowing you to focus on designing products that meet the needs of your clients and end-users.

Elastic Characteristics

To be suitable for use in PPE and industrial equipment products, elastics must possess specific characteristics. These include wear resistance, durability, flexibility, and resistance to extreme conditions. Additionally, elastics must be comfortable to wear and must not cause skin irritation, especially during prolonged use.

Functional Technical Finishes

Our elastics can undergo various functional technical finishes to enhance their performance in diverse applications. These finishes include:

  • Anti-odor: Prevents the development of odor-causing microbes.
  • Moisture management: Absorbs and dissipates odor-generating compounds.
  • Cooling effect: Wicks away moisture, providing a cooler, drier, and more comfortable feel.
  • Flame retardant: Offers effective protection against flames in military, safety, and industrial activities like welding, oil/gas, and drilling.
  • Soil release: Captures odor molecules, keeping the narrow fabric fresh-smelling.
  • Water repellent: Wicks away moisture, providing a cooler, drier, and more comfortable feel.

These finishes enhance the durability, wear resistance, and comfort of our elastics, making them ideal for personal and industrial protection products.

Silicone Applications

PPE and industrial equipment products may need silicone coatings to enhance their grip and slip resistance. The width, pattern, and amount of silicone applied to our elastics depend on the specific requirements of each application. Silicone applications improve the durability and wear resistance of elastics, making them suitable for industrial and personal protection environments.

In summary, at George C. Moore, we are committed to offering innovative and customized solutions for the personal protection equipment and industrial equipment industry. Our elastics are designed to meet and exceed the expectations of our customers in terms of performance, durability, and safety. If you are looking for high-quality, customized narrow elastics for your products, do not hesitate to contact us!