Lightweight protection, heavy-duty results with LION

Martin Joosen, Managing Director for LION‘s Europe Middle-East, Asia and Pacific Business territories, details their upcoming new EN-compliant gear and the balance between safety, comfort and practical functionality

LION is gearing up to release its latest range of EN-compliant turnout gear next to its also well-known NFPA Range in the first half of 2025, promising to further enhance safety and functionality for firefighters worldwide.

In this exclusive interview, Martin Joosen, Managing Director for LION’s Europe, Middle East, Asia and Pacific Business territories, shares insights into the new gear’s design, features and unique aspects.

He also discusses how this launch fits into LION Group’s broader strategy within the PPE market, shedding light on the company’s commitment to supporting those on the front lines of fire and rescue.

What inspired the development of the new EN-compliant turnout gear who is it designed for?

LION has a strong background in producing NFPA-certified turnout gear in the United States.

Regions following EN standards have their own requirements and many professional firefighters in Europe and beyond prefer gear specifically approved under those guidelines.

There was a demand for LION’s existing expertise with NFPA products to be translated into something equally reliable for EN-focused markets.

Every element of this upcoming gear’s design meets EN criteria while still offering LION signature high-grade thermal protection, breathability and ease of movement.

We put considerable emphasis on how firefighters perform physically challenging tasks, leading to design priorities shaped around practical wearability.

These suits are useable among firefighters everywhere.

Our aim is to create a product line that serves a global audience, creating a versatile solution that can handle various environments while meeting EN specifications.

Can you describe how the appearance of this turnout gear has been designed to balance practicality and visibility for firefighters?

The aesthetic ideas behind this gear’s appearance are in line with our field experience with US-based NFPA standards, where every stitch and reflective detail is tested under tough field conditions.

Our designers wanted to offer firefighters something that feels safe, comfortable and meets EN rules.

For example, by combining stripes, reflective trim and easily recognised colour contrasts, the gear stands out in smoky rooms and dim conditions.

Weight was a leading challenge, since extra layers can restrict mobility.

Engineers worked on choosing fabrics and trim that keep the gear practical, safe and noticeable without adding unnecessary bulk.

They also considered how firefighters move while responding to emergencies, so any reflective elements remain visible from multiple angles.

What are the main features of the gear that will support firefighters in their work?

Even though NFPA and EN specifications differ in some respects, each has a valuable approach to thermal resistance and comfort.

A key objective has been to create a set of turnout suits that keep firefighters agile during intense situations.

The suits feature flexible closures, sleeves shaped to allow easy arm movement and carefully chosen fabrics for breathability.

Factors like heat transfer and moisture buildup were tested to maintain dryness where possible and prevent excessive heat retention.

How does the design of this gear address the specific challenges firefighters face in high-pressure situations?

Conditions during interventions and visibility on the fireground can vary greatly, making protective garments essential for safety.

LION prioritizes maximum comfort and ergonomics while adhering to relevant guidelines.

We have strategically placed reflective elements to improve visibility from various angles and to facilitate movement.

Every detail is designed to assist first responders in navigating smoke-filled hallways.

While these features adhere to established specifications, we also explored how to arrange them so that they do not hinder movement or slow the first responder down.

This blend of flexibility and compliance with regulations enables the suit to perform effectively in challenging situations.

What aspects of this turnout gear set it apart from other options currently available?

LION has been a prominent name in NFPA-regulated markets for years.

Bringing that knowledge to an EN-compliant product has given the company a chance to bridge borders and integrate all learnings from multiple regions into those new designs.

This approach offers a global view of how turnout suits function, recognising both the protective specifications and practical requirements that frontline teams encounter.

LION chose to align with these requirements so the company could provide for firefighters whose operations follow EN guidelines.

Acquiring a certification under EN ensures that these suits fit the specific needs of users in those regions.

It offers peace of mind for departments, knowing that the gear was tested according to standards recognised in their area.

What steps is LION taking to ensure this gear is ready to meet the demands of real-world firefighting by the time it launches in 2025?

LION’s research and development teams participate in multiple committees around the world that set guidelines for fabric performance and health considerations.

These groups monitor factors like heat tolerance, breathability and how protective materials can be lighter without weakening.

Attendance at these meetings exposes the teams to new methods and tests that might eventually shape updated standards.

Everyone in the PPE community shares an interest in raising the safety bar, so discussions often revolve around scientific data, emerging technologies and ways to address known health hazards.

LION tracks and reviews the latest fabric innovations to ensure the final product delivers the optimum support firefighters require.

How did firefighter health factor into the design of the new EN-certified PPE or other LION solutions?

Firefighter health is a prominent topic these days, especially when it comes to substances that might be present in protective layers.

Organisations in many regions are asking manufacturers to be extra transparent about the chemicals they use.

In response, LION continues to look for fabrics and coatings that propose the latest level of health protection while still delivering reliable thermal protection.

A separate concern is contamination from black smoke or particles that can remain in turnout suits after certain call-outs.

New regulations often address how to handle gear cleaning and maintenance so firefighters face fewer risks from harmful buildup.

LION uses the latest available materials and makes sure to acquaint itself with the local guidelines, so LION makes the most appropriate decisions on suit assembly, like how suits are stitched and sealed.

This also means that in the world of firefighting, the definition of “clean” is evolving.

It’s no longer just about appearances; it’s about ensuring the utmost safety and protection for those who risk their lives every day.

Traditional cleaning methods might leave unseen contaminants behind, putting firefighters at risk.

But now, with RedZone CO2 Clean, we’re setting a new standard – a standard that goes beyond the surface, providing a deep, thorough clean that meets and exceeds today’s safety expectations.

RedZone CO2 Clean isn’t just another cleaning process; it’s a revolutionary approach that ensures firefighters’ gear is as clean as it can be – inside and out.

Using advanced CO2 technology, it penetrates deep into the fibers of firefighters’ PPE, effectively removing contaminants that traditional methods might miss.

This is the new badge of honor – a symbol of commitment to safety, health and the future of firefighting.

So, how clean is clean? With RedZone CO2 Clean, it’s cleaner than ever before.

It’s not just about maintaining firefighters’ gear; it’s about protecting their lives.

Choose the new standard.

Choose the new badge of honor.

Choose RedZone CO2 Clean.

With that in mind and at the same time, on the training side, LION’s latest training concept, the New Fire Training Technology (NFTT) program, balanced carbonaceous, gas and digital fire technology elements to reduce the volume of hazardous particles released during drills.

The idea is to give firefighters a realistic environment without exposing them to higher-than-necessary doses of smoke and toxins.

Looking ahead, how do you see LION’s role growing in the European fire safety market and are there other developments we can expect from the company?

Firefighters throughout Europe engage in varied tasks and many companies are addressing the need to blend high heat protection with a more manageable suit weight.

This is an ongoing challenge that we have taken on by studying how materials perform in multiple scenarios.

Development teams keep looking for layers that shield firefighters from intense conditions while allowing them to move quickly.

The company is also active in preparing new concepts for firefighters who manage a variety of incidents, from structural fires to rescues in industrial sites.

Most of these steps centre on comfort and reliability.

By tracking how well suits withstand repeated exposure to smoke or water, LION can fine-tune upcoming generations of PPE.