Retroreflective materials manufacturer 3M has introduced the next generation of 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material Industrial Wash and Industrial Wash Flame Resistant Reflective Transfer Films that offer enhanced wash durability. The new films are designed to increase longevity and help reduce the cost of ownership for specifiers, all in a more sustainable design certified to OEKO-TEX Standard 100.

Industrial garments need to withstand tough conditions, including an increased number of wash cycles, disinfecting wash performance, higher temperatures, and harsher washing conditions, according to a press release by 3M.

3M Scotchlite Reflective Material 9725 Industrial Wash Transfer Film is a high-wash performance solution. The new product is designed to last up to 75 industrial wash cycles according to ISO 15797 table 4, procedure 2; last up to 50 disinfectant industrial wash cycles according to ISO 15797 table 1, procedure 2; and be suitable for tumble drying and tunnel finishing.

The high-performance trim is ideal for use in a wide assortment of industries including manufacturing, construction, transportation, utilities, and first responders.

For flame-resistant safety wear, 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material 9745 Industrial Wash Flame Resistant Transfer Film is designed to last up to 100 industrial wash cycles according to ISO 15797 table 4, procedure 2; last up to 50 disinfectant industrial wash cycles according to ISO 15797 table 1, procedure 2; and be suitable for tumble drying and tunnel finishing.

The high-performance flame-resistant trim is ideal for use in a wide assortment of industries including oil, gas, mining, utilities, and manufacturing.

“We recognise the evolution of wash detergents and processing procedures amongst our key industrial wash customers and the effect that has on our reflective films,” said Andrew Johnson, product marketing manager in 3M’s personal safety division. “To help ensure these new industrial wash films would withstand these new expectations, we partnered directly with the leading detergent suppliers to monitor our performance every step along the way.”

“These collaborations confirmed our own internal evaluation results, and we are excited to establish such a robust industrial wash cycle claim for the US and Canadian markets,” Johnson added. “The ISO-15797 standards aren’t as well known yet in this region, but we expect these new solutions to set the bar at a whole new level.”

Together with the existing reflective fabric 9945, the new options help expand the high-performance range of 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material, added the release.

3M Scotchlite Reflective Transfer Films are intended for use on high-performance safety garments. They help enhance the visibility of the wearer at night or in lowlight conditions when illuminated by a light source, such as vehicle headlights or streetlights.

3M Scotchlite Reflective Material works by returning light rays back to the original source, a result of the retroreflective properties of thousands of microscopic glass beads incorporated into the material. This means retroreflective materials appear brightest to an observer located near the original light source, such as a car’s headlights. Since very little light is scattered when the light is returned, retroreflective materials enhance the contrast of the wearer to an observer located near the original light source.