The shape of PPE to come

EU-wide norms

One of the key factors in determining the direction that PPE innovations are taking is the EU-wide European norms. By consolidating the various differences that have existed across the EU in the past, the quality and protective levels of PPE have increased considerably. Essentially, the standards permit the whole of the EU to work together to provide for a huge range of different protective levels of equipment to suit all manner of situations and needs. This represents a key benefit for the end users of protective equipment, which at the end of the day is proof of the norms’ success. 

Another strength of the system is that manufacturers and key suppliers are included in the technical panels that draw up new standards. This valuable input means that changes reflect the industry needs that are coming to the fore, and allows regulation to continue to move with the market.

Focus on longevity

From a procurement perspective, one of the major trends the industry is seeing is an increased focus on PPE longevity, and the employee benefits of such an investment. While cost still remains high on the priorities list, companies are increasingly recognising the value of investing in equipment and workwear that most closely fulfils fitness for purpose, and delivers long-lasting durability and reliability. This is particularly the case among companies employing workers on longer contracts, who are now ensuring that they are provided with a better quality of PPE that maintains its protective purpose while being more comfortable during longer periods of use.

This trend is well-demonstrated with high-visibility garments; cheaper ranges will offer basic functionality, but not the breathability and comfort companies are now looking for when considering quality and long-term staff investment. Given the changeable nature of Britain’s weather, employees working outdoors can be subject to all manner of elements in one working day – better quality garments are designed to adapt to these changes, so that workers can continue their tasks unhindered.

Task versatility and comfort

Developments in hand protection also reflect a shift towards task versatility and comfort. Rather than opt for traditional, cumbersome ‘rigour’ gloves, suppliers are responding to the need for gloves that maintain a high degree of protection, but also permit a range of dextrous tasks and tool-use. This has led to the development of more complex textiles and polymers, allowing employees to carry out tasks more easily than before.

Rather than complicate purchasing decisions, evolving priorities in PPE are helping define companies’ needs more clearly. For example, health and safety assessments on site and worker feedback are identifying PPE needs as and when they arise. 

Supplier contact is a key part of the decisions behind what shapes PPE trends. This information sharing is part of the wider multi-channel communication that allows for the innovative solutions that push product development forward in PPE. This is a two-way process, and while companies approach suppliers with new requirements, suppliers in turn are responsible for proactively informing companies of new products and legislative changes that may affect them. Equally, supplier contact with manufacturers ensures they are continually aware of the latest technologies and textiles that are entering the market. 

Future developments

These shifts in PPE considerations are continually gathering pace so their prevalence in procurement decisions will only increase. In addition, large-scale development projects with high personnel requirements, such as the High Speed Rail 2 project, will also ensure that the PPE market remains strong, which will spark innovation and niche industry-specific developments.

The effect these trends will have on suppliers is also likely to benefit companies from a supply chain perspective. Demands for high kit volume, both for short and long-term needs, will sustain larger suppliers with systems capable of providing large quantities of quality PPE. Equally, smaller suppliers will be able to capitalise on both the increasing desire for niche technical needs and short notice kit requirements, as their size enables them to be nimble and flexible with orders. Companies can find themselves unexpectedly short of kit, and suppliers able to consistently provide a fast response service in this regard will remain at the forefront of ensuring PPE is always available whenever it is needed.

Whether it be suppliers, manufacturers, or end users, development ideas in PPE are coming from all sides of the industry. This constant evolution not only feeds new protective equipment needs, but also requires quality communication between all of these organisations. Companies that are most involved in this respect will be most informed not only of their own current PPE needs, but of the general trends that will be affecting their needs in the future.

Daniel Murray is a director at Alexandra.