Milliken & Company has become the first textile manufacturer to sign the new Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Manufacturer Code of Conduct introduced by the International Association of Fire Fighters, reinforcing its commitment to firefighter safety, transparency, and responsible manufacturing practices.
The agreement was signed by IAFF General President Edward Kelly and Milliken Apparel Executive Vice President and Managing Director Marcio Manique.
New Industry Standard for Firefighter Protective Equipment
The IAFF Code of Conduct establishes a framework for manufacturers supplying the fire service industry, emphasizing safe and compliant product design, honest product representation, proactive hazard assessment, and timely communication regarding potential safety concerns.
By signing the code, Milliken became the first fabric producer to formally adopt the initiative.
“It’s important for firefighters that we have clean gear and that we’re not introducing toxic chemicals into personal protective equipment,” said Edward Kelly. “The IAFF Code of Conduct ensures manufacturers share the same ethical and moral commitment to protecting our members and keeping harmful chemicals out of this gear.”
Milliken Advances PFAS-Free Firefighter Fabrics
Milliken highlighted its ongoing efforts to eliminate potentially harmful substances from firefighter protective clothing. The company stated that it has not used PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in fabrics developed for the fire service industry since 2021.
Today, Milliken reports that it is the only manufacturer offering non-PFAS options across all three fabric layers used in turnout gear, enabling fire departments to adopt fully PFAS-free protective systems.
The company has supported several fire departments in transitioning to non-PFAS protective gear, including the San Francisco Fire Department and Horry County Fire Rescue.
Commitment to Safety and Transparency
According to Marcio Manique, the company views firefighter protection as a core responsibility.
“We recognize the responsibility that comes with supplying fabrics used in life-saving protective gear and for decades have gone above what’s required to keep firefighters safe on the job,” said Manique. “Signing this Code reflects how we operate as a company – with integrity, rigorous manufacturing standards, and a clear commitment to the firefighters who depend on these materials.”
Third-Party Testing Confirms PFAS-Free Status
Milliken recently announced that its firefighter turnout gear fabrics underwent voluntary third-party testing conducted by Forever Analytical.
According to the company, the testing confirmed that Milliken fabrics used in firefighter protective equipment contain no detectable PFAS substances.
The company continues to work with all major turnout gear manufacturers in the United States while investing in research, product testing, and manufacturing technologies aimed at improving protective performance and supporting evolving health and environmental requirements within the fire service sector.
As concerns over firefighter exposure to harmful chemicals continue to grow, Milliken’s adoption of the IAFF Code of Conduct signals a broader industry shift toward greater transparency, accountability, and safer protective equipment solutions.
