A guide to understanding materials, fabric structures, and technical symbols of Reflexx products
Materials used in Reflexx disposable workwear
- The nonwoven fabric (PLP) is made of 100% polypropylene. It is a lightweight and breathable material, composed of filaments, with good tensile strength and elongation resistance.
- Microporous PE laminated with PLP nonwoven fabric consists of two layers: an inner spunbond polypropylene layer and an outer microporous polyethylene film. This structure provides a barrier against the penetration of chemical, liquid, and biological agents, allows the dissipation of surface electrostatic charges, and enables water vapor to pass from the inside to the outside. The inner layer also contributes to comfort and strength.
- PE laminated with PLP nonwoven fabric also consists of an inner spunbond polypropylene layer and an outer polyethylene film. The polyethylene provides a barrier against chemical, liquid, and biological agents and allows the dissipation of surface electrostatic charges, while the inner layer enhances comfort and strength.
- CPE (chlorinated polyethylene) is a high-density plastic that undergoes a chlorination process, enhancing its resistance properties.
- LDPE (low-density polyethylene) is a thermoplastic polymer obtained from the polymerization of ethylene. Its branched molecular structure gives it flexibility and softness.
Fabric structures: how to read material composition
- Microporous PE laminated with PP nonwoven fabric.
- PE laminated with PP nonwoven fabric.
Icon
Name
Meaning
PLP
Nonwoven fabric made of 100% polypropylene, lightweight and breathable, with good tensile and elongation strength.
Microporous PE + PLP
Composite material with an inner layer of spunbond polypropylene and an outer layer of microporous polyethylene film. Provides a barrier against chemical, liquid, and biological agents, allows dissipation of surface electrostatic charges, and enables water vapor to pass from the inside to the outside.
PE + PLP
Composite material with an inner layer of spunbond polypropylene and an outer layer of polyethylene film. Provides a barrier against chemical, liquid, and biological agents and allows the dissipation of surface electrostatic charges.
CPE
Chlorinated polyethylene, a high-density plastic treated with chlorine to enhance its resistance properties.
LDPE
Low-density polyethylene, a thermoplastic polymer characterized by flexibility and softness.
Seams and accessories: what technical icons indicate
- Reinforced seams ensure greater mechanical strength.
- Reinforced and taped seams provide enhanced mechanical strength and optimal protection against the penetration of liquid aerosols and solid particles.
- The nylon coil zipper size 3 features a single slider, side fabric tape, and a metal pull tab.
- The nylon coil zipper size 5 also has a single slider and side fabric tape, but with a larger metal pull tab, offering better grip even when wearing protective gloves.
Icon
Name
Meaning
Reinforced seam
Ensures greater mechanical strength.
Reinforced taped seam
Ensures greater mechanical strength and optimal protection against the penetration of liquid aerosols and solid particles.
Coil zipper size 3
Nylon zipper with a single slider, side fabric tape, and a metal pull tab.
Coil zipper size 5
Nylon zipper with a single slider, side fabric tape, and a larger metal pull tab for improved grip, even when wearing protective gloves.
Covered zipper
Indicates the presence of a protected closure, designed to improve the continuity of garment protection.
Elastic cuffs
Indicates an elastic closure at the wrists to improve fit and comfort.
Elastic ankles
Indicates an elastic closure at the ankles to improve fit and continuity of protection.
Elastic waistband
Indicates a closer fit at the waist.
DPI classes and meaning of the main regulatory icons
The EU Regulation 2016/425 identifies three classes of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) based on the level of risk.
- The Category I covers minimal risks, such as protection against superficial mechanical injuries or prolonged contact with water, and does not require certification by a notified body.
- The Category II covers intermediate risks, not included in Categories I and III, and requires certification by a notified body.
- The Category III covers very serious risks that may cause death or irreversible health damage and also requires certification by a notified body.
Only notified bodies are authorized to issue CE certifications for DPI in Categories II and III. Without CE marking, the clothing cannot be sold or used in professional environments.
Types of garments and levels of protection
- Type 1 refers to protective clothing against liquid and gaseous chemicals, including liquid aerosols and solid particles, with performance requirements for emergency response teams.
- Type 2 is no longer included in the harmonized European standard.
- Type 3 refers to protective clothing against liquid chemicals when exposed to pressurized liquid jets.
- Type 4 refers to protective clothing against liquid chemicals when exposed to non-pressurized liquid sprays.
- Type 5 identifies protective clothing against airborne solid particles.
- Type 6 refers to limited protection against liquid chemicals, with potential exposure to small amounts of splashes, sprays, or accidental droplets.
Icon
Name
Meaning
Type 1
Gas-tight. Protection against liquid and gaseous chemicals, including liquid aerosols and solid particles, with performance requirements for emergency response teams.
Type 2
Type no longer included in the harmonized European standard.
Type 3
Liquid-tight. Protective clothing against liquid chemicals in case of exposure to pressurized liquid jets.
Type 4
Spray-tight. Protective clothing against liquid chemicals in case of exposure to non-pressurized liquid sprays.
Type 5
Particle-tight. Protective clothing against airborne solid particles.
Type 6
Limited splash-tightness. Protective clothing suitable for exposure to limited amounts of splashes, liquid sprays, or minor accidental splashes.
Technical standards iconography at a glance
Icon
Name
Meaning
EN ISO 13688:2013
General requirements for protective clothing.
EN 1073-2:2002
Protection against radioactive contaminant dust (excluding radiation)
EN 14126:2003+AC:2004
Protection against infectious agents (Type 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B)
EN 1149-5:2018
Protection against electrostatic charges
Food contact
Indicates the product’s suitability for food contact within the limits and conditions specified in the datasheet.