PERF has announced the Indian launch of what it describes as the world’s first biogenic Inherent Flame Resistant (IFR) and arc flash protective workwear at OSH India Expo 2026 in Mumbai. The range serves workers in power generation, mining, data centres, steel and aluminium, oil and gas, and other high-risk industrial environments.

The garments protect against hazards including electrical arc flash, extreme heat, fire, explosion and molten metal exposure. An arc flash is an explosion-like electrical event in which temperatures can reach up to 25,000°C, potentially exposing workers to intense heat, molten metal and particles. These risks can arise around electrical panels, motors, power grids and energy distribution systems, as well as during electrical maintenance.

The range is intended for power generation and distribution, data centres, mining, steel and aluminium, oil and gas, refineries, petrochemicals, foundries and other applications involving extreme heat, flame or electrical hazards.

Its biogenic IFR material has been developed as an alternative to conventional man-made fibres such as para-aramid, meta-aramid and flame-retardant viscose. The natural fibre-based material combines protection for high-risk environments with softness, breathability and comfort.

Softness improves comfort against the skin during extended working hours, while breathability allows airflow and helps manage heat and moisture. These properties are intended to support prolonged wear and consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Named EXCO, the material results from seven years of research and development undertaken by PERF and an Italian technology partner. It underwent multiple rounds of testing to ensure it meets the required standards. The fabric is manufactured in India, with PERF positioning the launch as an example of advanced protective technology developed and produced domestically.

The material is also claimed to be up to 99.9 per cent biodegradable, reflecting the company’s focus on reducing the environmental impact associated with protective workwear made from conventional man-made fibres.

“The development of EXCO has been driven by a simple question: can we provide workers with the high level of protection required in industries such as power, mining, data centres, metal and oil & gas without compromising on the breathability, comfort, softness and environmental considerations of the material? We have spent seven years on R&D in collaboration with our Italian partner to develop a biogenic IFR material that brings together inherent flame resistance, the feel and breathability of a natural fibre, and up to 99.9% biodegradability. The fact that the fabric is produced in India also makes this an important step towards building advanced protective technology locally,” said Hammad Rahman, CEO, PERF.

The company believes the technology can address growing demand for protective apparel that goes beyond basic compliance, particularly as industries expand electrical infrastructure and increase their focus on worker safety and sustainability.

Enrico Bonafini led the seven-year India–Italy R&D collaboration, working closely with PERF to develop and refine EXCO for industrial protective applications.

“Our objective with this development was not simply to create another protective fabric. We wanted to develop a material that could meet the demanding requirements of technical protective apparel while offering the characteristics of a natural fibre. The seven-year R&D journey, together with PERF, has allowed us to work on the material extensively and test it multiple times to ensure that protection and usability remain at the centre of the product,” said Bonafini.

Through EXCO protective workwear, PERF aims to support the adoption of risk-based protective solutions that consider worker safety, comfort and environmental impact alongside technical performance.