|
|
|
|
|
24 April 2026
|
High-tech for emergencies: PPE innovations at Interschutz 2026 set new safety standards
|
|
Long since evolved from simple workwear into a highly intelligent life-saving system: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). At Interschutz 2026, to be held from 1 to 6 June 2026 in Hannover, Germany, the industry will showcase how protective clothing has adapted to new challenges. Whether shielding against carcinogenic particles, connected sensor technology in breathing apparatus or ergonomic lightweight gear for prolonged operations - the trends signal a technological turning point.
“Our key theme ‘Safeguarding tomorrow’ also applies to the working conditions of emergency responders,” says Thilo Horstmann, Head of Interschutz at Deutsche Messe AG. “Effective protection of the public is only possible if the rescuers themselves are optimally protected.” This involves new textile technologies that can withstand not only extreme heat. Smart sensor systems integrated into equipment are no longer a distant vision. “One of many aspects is climate change,” Horstmann adds. “As operations – such as those involving vegetation fires – become more complex and longer in duration, a key focus is on lighter, more flexible materials that minimise the physical strain on responders.”
PPE from head to toe – from helmets and protective suits to boots: “At Interschutz, more than 1 600 exhibitors will present innovations for a wide range of scenarios. PPE is evolving significantly across the industry, particularly in terms of ergonomics, modularity, and connectivity,” confirms Nicolai Gäding, Application Specialist for heavy respiratory protection and public safety at Dräger. “Modern PPE must be both ergonomic and adaptable to meet diverse operational scenarios, often involving longer deployment times and extreme heat.” The expert sees growing demand for system-compatible PPE solutions that integrate protection, communication, and digital functions. “We are developing system solutions that work seamlessly together and can be flexibly adapted to different operational requirements,” says Gäding. Connected systems provide real-time information – ideally directly within the responder’s field of vision. “This enhances situational awareness and enables faster, more informed decisions in dynamic hazard situations,” he emphasizes. There are also numerous challenges in the development of new firefighting helmets. In addition to ergonomics and protective performance, design and system integration must be considered. More will be showcased at Interschutz, according to Dräger.
In the past, firefighting protective suits were more uniform than true PPE. “What was worn as operational clothing up until the mid-1990s is worlds apart from what we know today,” emphasises Christian Pannier, product manager at LHD Group, one of the leading manufacturers of protective and clothing solutions. “The introduction of the European standard EN 469 for firefighting protective clothing in 1995 was the breakthrough for modern protective gear as we know it today.” Today’s protective clothing is far more functional than it was just a few years ago. As an example, he cites firefighting jackets, which typically had four pockets 20 years ago. “Today, six or seven are not uncommon,” says Pannier. Customers often have requirements that go beyond the protection defined by the standard, as industry experience shows. The trend is also moving toward “stylish and individual.” Personalized back prints with the name of the municipality are now considered standard. “Some fire departments even go as far as having their own protective suits developed instead of purchasing off-the-shelf products,” adds the production manager. Nevertheless, the classic firefighting protective suit in accordance with DIN EN 469 remains the most widely used.
Regardless of standards, individuality in terms of fit and fastening is also in demand for footwear, says Julia Simon from Haix. The company is once again promising surprises at this year’s INTERSCHUTZ. Two new boots are set to be eye-catching highlights. Just last year, Haix drew attention with the world’s first boot made from Extraguard material, combining the protective advantages of robust outer material with extremely low weight and ease of care.
At Arclin (formerly DuPont’s aramid division), Nomex® Xtreme Performance solutions will take centre stage in the PPE segment at Interschutz. Nomex and Kevlar both belong to the group of aramid fibres and have played a key role in firefighting protective clothing for decades. Nomex is highly heat-resistant and flame-retardant. It chars instead of melting, thereby protecting against direct heat exposure. Kevlar is extremely tear-resistant and cut-resistant, providing mechanical stability against abrasion or sharp edges. The combination of these innovative fibres offers proven protection, durability, and wearer comfort on the inside. At the outdoor exhibition area, Arclin will demonstrate the resilience of these materials using the Thermo-Man. This life-sized, instrumented dummy is equipped with various heat sensors and exposed to real flames in a so-called flash fire simulation. During the intense fire, the sensors measure how much heat penetrates the protective clothing. A model then calculates predicted burns (area, degree, body regions). The results make it possible to assess how well different protective suits actually perform.
About Interschutz
Interschutz is the world's leading trade fair for firefighting, rescue, and civil protection. Taking place in 2026 in Hanover under the motto “Safeguarding Tomorrow”, Interschutz showcases a comprehensive range of products and services in the fields of firefighting, preventive fire protection, rescue services, civil protection, communication and control centre technology, as well as protective equipment. All information about the trade fair and supporting programme is available at www.interschutz.de and is updated on an ongoing basis.
“Our key theme ‘Safeguarding tomorrow’ also applies to the working conditions of emergency responders,” says Thilo Horstmann, Head of Interschutz at Deutsche Messe AG. “Effective protection of the public is only possible if the rescuers themselves are optimally protected.” This involves new textile technologies that can withstand not only extreme heat. Smart sensor systems integrated into equipment are no longer a distant vision. “One of many aspects is climate change,” Horstmann adds. “As operations – such as those involving vegetation fires – become more complex and longer in duration, a key focus is on lighter, more flexible materials that minimise the physical strain on responders.”
PPE from head to toe – from helmets and protective suits to boots: “At Interschutz, more than 1 600 exhibitors will present innovations for a wide range of scenarios. PPE is evolving significantly across the industry, particularly in terms of ergonomics, modularity, and connectivity,” confirms Nicolai Gäding, Application Specialist for heavy respiratory protection and public safety at Dräger. “Modern PPE must be both ergonomic and adaptable to meet diverse operational scenarios, often involving longer deployment times and extreme heat.” The expert sees growing demand for system-compatible PPE solutions that integrate protection, communication, and digital functions. “We are developing system solutions that work seamlessly together and can be flexibly adapted to different operational requirements,” says Gäding. Connected systems provide real-time information – ideally directly within the responder’s field of vision. “This enhances situational awareness and enables faster, more informed decisions in dynamic hazard situations,” he emphasizes. There are also numerous challenges in the development of new firefighting helmets. In addition to ergonomics and protective performance, design and system integration must be considered. More will be showcased at Interschutz, according to Dräger.
In the past, firefighting protective suits were more uniform than true PPE. “What was worn as operational clothing up until the mid-1990s is worlds apart from what we know today,” emphasises Christian Pannier, product manager at LHD Group, one of the leading manufacturers of protective and clothing solutions. “The introduction of the European standard EN 469 for firefighting protective clothing in 1995 was the breakthrough for modern protective gear as we know it today.” Today’s protective clothing is far more functional than it was just a few years ago. As an example, he cites firefighting jackets, which typically had four pockets 20 years ago. “Today, six or seven are not uncommon,” says Pannier. Customers often have requirements that go beyond the protection defined by the standard, as industry experience shows. The trend is also moving toward “stylish and individual.” Personalized back prints with the name of the municipality are now considered standard. “Some fire departments even go as far as having their own protective suits developed instead of purchasing off-the-shelf products,” adds the production manager. Nevertheless, the classic firefighting protective suit in accordance with DIN EN 469 remains the most widely used.
Regardless of standards, individuality in terms of fit and fastening is also in demand for footwear, says Julia Simon from Haix. The company is once again promising surprises at this year’s INTERSCHUTZ. Two new boots are set to be eye-catching highlights. Just last year, Haix drew attention with the world’s first boot made from Extraguard material, combining the protective advantages of robust outer material with extremely low weight and ease of care.
At Arclin (formerly DuPont’s aramid division), Nomex® Xtreme Performance solutions will take centre stage in the PPE segment at Interschutz. Nomex and Kevlar both belong to the group of aramid fibres and have played a key role in firefighting protective clothing for decades. Nomex is highly heat-resistant and flame-retardant. It chars instead of melting, thereby protecting against direct heat exposure. Kevlar is extremely tear-resistant and cut-resistant, providing mechanical stability against abrasion or sharp edges. The combination of these innovative fibres offers proven protection, durability, and wearer comfort on the inside. At the outdoor exhibition area, Arclin will demonstrate the resilience of these materials using the Thermo-Man. This life-sized, instrumented dummy is equipped with various heat sensors and exposed to real flames in a so-called flash fire simulation. During the intense fire, the sensors measure how much heat penetrates the protective clothing. A model then calculates predicted burns (area, degree, body regions). The results make it possible to assess how well different protective suits actually perform.
About Interschutz
Interschutz is the world's leading trade fair for firefighting, rescue, and civil protection. Taking place in 2026 in Hanover under the motto “Safeguarding Tomorrow”, Interschutz showcases a comprehensive range of products and services in the fields of firefighting, preventive fire protection, rescue services, civil protection, communication and control centre technology, as well as protective equipment. All information about the trade fair and supporting programme is available at www.interschutz.de and is updated on an ongoing basis.