According to a report by US-based firm Frost & Sullivan, niche products such as chainsaw protective clothing are presenting promising growth opportunities for the industrial protective clothing sector whilst the demand for multi-functional protective clothing is driving sales and harnessing new markets.

The report states that western European markets for industrial protective clothing earned revenues of €1,311 million in 2005 and it predicts an increase to €1,597 million in 2012.

It states that industrial protective clothing that offers higher performance alongside increased comfort and style will drive sales.

However, while European suppliers are increasingly using the Far East as a manufacturing base, they are also being threatened by competition from local companies based within the region.

The company suggests that promoting product features and quality over price will increase the commercial acceptability of products amongst end users. Furthermore, as Eastern Europe emerges as an increasingly important market for European producers—from a production as well as a consumer point of view—companies based in Western Europe will need to identify, develop and secure viable commercial options for producing as well as selling industrial protective clothing in Eastern Europe.