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High-performance films for protective and safety apparel
In safety vests, workwear and outdoor gear, protective clothing needs to be tough, waterproof and comfortable. Our thermoplastic films combine tear resistance, high-performance barrier properties and flexibility - delivering high safety and wearer comfort for a wide range of industry applications.
Story · October 27, 2025
Protection without compromise
Thermoplastic adhesive films in protective apparel - for strong barrier performance and comfort.
Thermoplastic films meet the high demands of modern protective apparel
Our thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films combine abrasion resistance, high tear strength, and elasticity to deliver long-lasting protection in demanding environments. They act as protective shields that help safeguard sensitive aramid fibers from moisture and UV exposure, thereby supporting consistent ballistic performance. At the same time, the films provide reliable barriers against water and many commonly encountered liquids, while maintaining the flexibility needed for wearer comfort. In safety clothing and protective apparel, TPU films enable the high-performance laminations with aramid layers and other textiles, resisting delamination under stress. For ballistic protection systems — such as bullet-proof vests where controlled deformation and high adhesion between UHMWPE, para-aramid, ceramics and, metals are critical — Pontacol BP thermoplastic adhesive films provide defined, consistent bonding across this broad spectrum of materials. For workwear, our engineered films support seam-sealed waterproofing and form durable adhesive layers for zippers, reflective elements, waterproof aprons, and strong bond in safety shoe soles. In outdoor gear, they enable breathable waterproofing that enhances comfort in challenging environments. Another key advantage is processing versatility. TPU films are compatible with high-frequency welding, lamination, and other advanced processing methods, making them easy to integrate into complex garment designs. Pontacol BP films add further flexibility through multilayer configurations that allow surface modification to bond difficult substrates. This versatility, combined with their protective performance, makes our thermoplastic films a smart choice for protective apparel material.
Tailored solutions for safety-critical applications
Where standard solutions cannot cope with your needs, Covestro delivers custom-engineered TPU and thermoplastic adhesive films tailored to safety-critical applications. Film thickness, hardness, elasticity, and adhesion can be precisely adjusted to meet your protection requirements — whether that means strong bonding for footwear, reliable and durable lamination in ballistic vests, or flexible waterproofing for outdoor gear seams. Our films can also be designed for breathability and wearer comfort, ensuring protective garments remain practical for long shifts without compromising on safety. Beyond materials, Covestro provides application engineering and product development support, working side by side with customers to seamlessly integrate TPU films into innovative garment designs. Across industries, our TPU films unite durability, chemical resistance, waterproofing, comfort, and processing flexibility—without trade-offs.
Key benefits
Comfortable:
Flexible and lightweight for unrestricted movement and wearer comfort.
Varied applications:
Smart choice for safety vests, boots, work aprons, and outdoor gear.
Tight adhesive bond:
Strong lamination to textiles, zippers, soles, reflective elements and of protective composites.
Strong protection:
Tear- and abrasion-resistant for protection under high-stress conditions.
Waterproof:
Resists water, dirt, and commonly encountered chemicals in workwear and outdoors.