Bulwark® to Unveil Revolutionary iQ Series™ at Safety 2014

ORLANDO, Fla., May 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Bulwark, the world's largest flame-resistant (FR) apparel brand, announced the company's plans to debut its much anticipated iQ Series Comfort Knits and Wovens at the American Society of Safety Engineers' Safety 2014 Expo in Orlando (Orange County Convention Center, West Building, June 8-10).

The new iQ Series is set to rock the world of protective workwear wearability unlike ever before -- thanks to a scientifically engineered new breed of comfortable FR apparel. Not only will attendees be able preview iQ Series garments, but Bulwark also plans to give attendees an exclusive look at the paradigm-shattering science from its co-development partner, Milliken™ & Company.

"This is not the next evolution in FR," says Robert Grimes, managing director of Bulwark. "This is total revolution. Our partners at Milliken have literally invented an entirely new chemistry, which allows us to achieve an entirely new level of comfort."

That game-changing chemistry (Dual Elemental Protection) enables polyester to enter the protective apparel fold unlike ever before.  "That's obviously a very provocative statement, as evidenced by the FR industry's decades-long aversion to polyester given its melting point," says Milliken's Development Manager Travis Greer. "However, iQ's chemistry protects poly from melting by doing something very unique, deep inside the fiber. This allows us to finally embrace polyester and all of its performance characteristics, without compromising wearer safety."

"It's lighter than any other FR apparel on the market. It's more breathable. It wicks away moisture faster so that it can evaporate quicker. It's incredibly soft. It looks and acts like performance apparel – it's mind-blowing stuff," adds Derek Sang, Bulwark's technical training manager. "The leaders in safety deserve to see just how we did it."

Visitors can get the latest information on industry standards and be qualified for an exclusive look at iQ within the Bulwark iQ Product Theater at Bulwark Booth #521. To add to the excitement, Bulwark is also planning to give away free iQ Comfort Knits every hour, throughout the Expo.

For updates on all Bulwark happenings at Safety 2014, follow us on Twitter (@Bulwark FR) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/BulwarkFR). All press inquiries can be directed to Angie Wilson, Bulwark, market manager, at [email protected] or 615-565-5358, or Jennifer Hudson Marsh, Edelman, at [email protected] or 404-832-6780.

For more information, visit the iQ Series website at http://www.bulwark.com/iqseries/.

About Bulwark®
Bulwark®, part of VF Corporation's portfolio of brands, is the North American market leader in durable flame-resistant protective garments.  The brand was born in the Canadian oilfields 43 years ago, and has been the choice of industry professionals ever since.  We offer the widest assortment of NFPA 2112 and NFPA 70E compliant flame-resistant shirts, pants, jeans, coveralls and outerwear in the industry.  Our clothing is made with an obsessive diligence for precision and quality because real lives are on the line.  For more information, please visit www.bulwark.com.

VF Corporation
VF Corporation is a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel and footwear with more than 30 brands. The company's largest five brands are The North Face^®, Vans^®, Wrangler^®, Timberland^®, and Lee^®. Other brands include 7 For All Mankind^®, Bulwark^®, Eagle Creek^®, Eastpak^®, Ella Moss^®, JanSport^®, Kipling^®, lucy^®, Majestic^®, Napapijri^®, Nautica^®, Red Kap^®, Reef^®, Riders^®, Splendid^® and SmartWool^®. For more information, please visit www.vfc.com.

About Milliken
Milliken is an innovation company that has been exploring, discovering, and creating ways to enhance people's lives since 1865. Our community of innovators has developed one of the largest collections of patents held by a private company. With expertise across a breadth of disciplines including specialty chemicals, floor coverings, and performance materials, we work around the world to add value to people's lives, improve health and safety, and make the world more sustainable. For more information, visit www.milliken.com.  

SOURCE Bulwark