AW Hainsworth wins Kings Award for Enterprise for innovative ECO-DRY fabric
Leeds-based textile mill, AW Hainsworth, has today (6th May) been awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category. The business has been recognised for its development of ECO-DRY; a state-of-the-art fabric used in PPE worn by up to 70% of Australian wildland firefighters, a groundbreaking contribution to firefighter safety and wellbeing.
Developed in 2013 by AW Hainsworth’s experts in response to updated, rigorous Australian safety standards, ECO-DRY’s unique features support the complexities of the role of Australian wildfire responders who face lengthy deployments in remote conditions and relentless heat.
A unique blend of man-made flame-retardant fibres and natural merino wool, this innovative textile is lighter, more comfortable and more breathable than traditional wildland firefighting PPE fabric, designed to be worn as a single layer for long stretches whilst retaining its protective properties. Keeping wildland firefighters cooler for longer, it is now set to go global, as wildfires become more prevalent worldwide.
Amanda McLaren, Managing Director at AW Hainsworth, commented: “With fire seasons across Australia growing longer and more volatile in nature, the demand for appropriate, reliable PPE is rising rapidly. Already supplying the New South Wales Fire Service with fabric for structural firefighter PPE, we recognised the urgent need for a more breathable and comfortable solution for wildfire settings. ECO-DRY was developed in close partnership with garment manufacturer, Stewart and Heaton, as well as Australian firefighters, ensuring the fabric directly addresses their requirements for protection, cooling, and durability. We’re so pleased that this prestigious award has recognised our ground-breaking work in this field.”
ECO-DRY’s unique composition delivers superior flame resistance, abrasion protection, and wearer comfort. A pioneering blend of merino wool and Lenzing FR on the inside of the fabric absorbs moisture efficiently, preventing the fabric from clinging, whether from sweat or water, keeping firefighters cool and dry throughout their long shifts. It also boasts superior durability, thanks to the inherent properties of the fibres used, meaning kit made with ECO-DRY lasts longer too.
Now, as the impact of climate change grows more severe, the risk of wildfires is increasing across the world. Amanda McLaren added, “As climate change impacts the world, ECO-DRY’s proven technology is perfectly placed to protect the European market. Our Yorkshire mill remains committed to supporting emergency services globally with materials that combine British craft, technical excellence, and uncompromising safety.”
AW Hainsworth has been at the heart of British textile innovation for over 240 years, expertly managing every stage from raw wool to finished cloth within its historic Yorkshire mill. With world-class in-house testing facilities accredited to the highest international standards, the company ensures its fabrics deliver exceptional performance and reliability. It has been supporting emergency services with protective fabrics for 150 of these years, combining the natural fire-resistant properties of wool with the latest advanced textile technologies, continually innovating to make garments lighter, stronger and safer.
The King’s Award for Enterprise, announced on 6 May, is one of the UK’s highest business honours. Celebrating its 60th year, the King’s Awards continue to spotlight organisations that set the benchmark for excellence, with winners entitled to display the esteemed emblem for five years.
For more information please visit: https://www.awhainsworth.co.uk/sector/fire-ppe/
