PPE: MATERIALS, MACHINERY AND TECHNIQUES FOR THEIR PRODUCTION Christian Eschler AG IMPORTANT NEW ITEMS FUNCTIONAL FABRICS PRODUCTS GALLERY Eschler, the Swiss firm specializing in knitted fabrics, with decades of experience in manufacturing highly functional fabrics for protective workwear clothing, active sportswear, and lingerie, continues to provide the sector with interesting proposals, just as it did at the past edition of Techtextil, where it was one of the names proper to the trade fair, thanks to its new items in the field of fabrics for the operating theater and the nursing sector, as well as flame-retardant fabrics. Within the first segment, Eschler offers an extensive collection of highly functional fabrics for operating theater clothing, in which that made in 100% micro-polyester stands out, made up of hydrophilic inner side and water repellent on the outside, which is ideal for making underwear that is worn next to the skin, under the operating coat. To this interesting proposal are added its antistatic materials for polo shirts, tunic coats and trousers, as well as its insulating knits for jackets, coats and blankets. Of course, all the materials rigorously fulfill the strict requirements for use in the surgical sector. Its hydrophilic fabrics provide permanently antibacterial qualities that make them ideal for the nursing sector, for example, for making polo shirts (the piqué in this range was awarded the 1.0 mark by the Hohenstein Institute). The range is completed with a hydrophilic warp knit, perfect for trousers and tunic coats. Its excellent breathability and moisture transportation enable wellbeing to be maintained throughout the working day, since its elastic knitwear also assures complete freedom of movement. It is a very robust and hardwearing fabric, thanks to the use of synthetic fibers, which in turn facilitate fast drying and the lengthening of its useful life. World novelty In the flame-resistant segment, Christian Eschler AG presents a world novelty. This is a unique combination of Aramid and PTFE yarns, with obtains an optimum result, with regard to regulating both moisture and perspiration, identical to that of the 100% polyester fabric. This is a development a further development of the sweat-management system, conceived for the Swiss army, which caused a sensation in its time. Body heat and superfluous perspiration are carried to the outside of the garment, via the separate layers, but allowing the perspiration to remain in a refreshing layer on the skin during its active phase, preventing the body from overheating and the uncomfortable feeling of dryness. For its part, the flame- retardant layer totally fulfills the specification EN ISO 11612:2008 Code A1, B1 and C1, and in close contact with the skin is ideal in specific uses, for sportswear, police units (in this case it is perfect for situations in which it is in contact with highly flammable objects), and in other sectors, like Formula 1 drivers or fighter-jet pilots. Of course, Eschler also offers flame retardant fabrics for user groups that do not have such strict requirements regarding moisture transportation and functionality. Its extensive collection of flame-retardant fabrics includes numerous variants and qualities for all the layers: flame-retardant e1 fabrics for underwear and T-shirts, worn next to the skin; e2 fabrics, napped on one or both sides as flame-retardant fleece fabrics; wind-and water-resistant e3 fabrics, which can be used as flame-retardant “soft-shells”, and their wind- and waterproof variant, e3+, which uses a flame-resistant membrane. An outstanding feature of the e3+ collection is its 3-layer laminate, which totally fulfills the specification EN ISO 11612:2008 for use on protective clothing against heat and flames, and also with the specification EN 61482-1-2:2007 on protective clothing for working under tension with thermal danger caused by light arcs. AND FEATURES IN HIGHLY 91