PCIAW® / INDUSTRY INITIATIVES
Better evidence for the protection people depend on.
A PCIAW® steering group examining personal protective equipment (PPE) for multiple hazards.
THE MANDATE
Protective clothing has to balance safety, durability and comfort. As PFAS-free materials develop, the industry needs a stronger evidence base for how those choices perform throughout a garment’s life.
The group connects technical expertise across the value chain, translating research into practical guidance for industry and procurement teams.
ON THIS PAGE
01 / RESEARCH ROADMAP
From the protection specified for a role to the garment’s final use, each workstream addresses a different part of the same challenge.
01
Specify for the role.
Examine how over-specification can add weight and heat stress. Consider weight reduction and breathability alongside the life-safety protection a role needs.
Planned output
Hierarchy of Hazards Toolkit
Planned for 2027
02
Understand protection over time.
Investigate protective performance after laundering, including degradation that may not be visible. Develop benchmarks to assess a garment’s continuing protective integrity.
Planned output
Multi-Norm Longevity Audit
Planned for 2027
03
Explore a route beyond disposal.
Assess gasification as a potential route for complex multi-norm textile blends. Test whether technical textile waste can become useful industrial by-products.
Planned output
Gasification Technology Proof of Concept
Research and pilot work
02 / THE EVIDENCE BASE
Foundational research in 2026 will define the questions and assessment approach for emerging PFAS-free solutions.
The aim is to help procurement teams prioritise relevant protective functions without unnecessary over-engineering. The toolkit, audit and pilot are planned outputs of this work.
FOUNDATIONAL RESEARCH / 2026
From industry questions to useful evidence.
03 / LEADERSHIP & GOVERNANCE
STEERING GROUP CHAIR
Arclin · PCIAW® Board Director
Jules provides Board-level oversight and a strategic technical perspective on the certification and procurement challenges facing high-hazard industrial sectors.
11
VOTING MEMBERS MAXIMUM
A focused group. A broad industry perspective.
Membership is capped at 11 voting members to support clear decisions and accountability, with expertise drawn from across the professional clothing value chain.
04 / TAKE PART
PCIAW® members can nominate senior leaders and technical experts for consideration.
The Chair reviews nominations to support representation across the value chain, including raw materials, fabric manufacture and textile recycling.
A CONNECTED VALUE CHAIN
Raw materials. Fabric manufacture. Textile recycling.
Tell PCIAW® about your nominee’s organisation, technical expertise and proposed contribution. Mention the Multi-Norm PPE Steering Group in your enquiry.
Continue the wider industry conversation.