3M's Segmented Trim Keeps Workers Visible with Comfort and Style

Are your customers clamoring for comfortable styling options that are also ANSI-compliant? Then you might want to consider a new product offering from 3M.

The company is enhancing its commitment to worker safety and comfort with the introduction of its new 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material – Series 5500 Comfort Trim.

This series is composed of 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material - 5510 Segmented Home Wash Trim and 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material - 5530 Segmented Industrial Wash Trim and represents the next generation in an established line of reflective products that enhance visibility in a variety of conditions.

While not intended to completely replace traditional solid trim, its introduction does present another option available for the primary apparel marketplace. “With a growing interest in taking high-visibility safety apparel ‘beyond the vest’ to primary apparel, such as work wear and outerwear, an offering in this category is essential,” says Cory Erickson, market development manager, 3M Visibility and Insulation Solutions.

That interest has been rising in recent years due to a convergence of factors, the most important of these being worker safety. On a typical day, workers in numerous occupations are exposed to traffic hazards during low-light, nighttime, and daylight conditions. But until the late ‘90s, there were no regulations for the design, performance or materials used in clothing for these workers in the United States.

The publication of ANSI/ISEA 107-1999, a set of guidelines produced by the American National Standards Institute, changed all that. Although voluntary, ANSI 107-1999, and its follow-up, ANSI/ISEA 107-2004, quickly became recognized as the authoritative voice for high visibility apparel by federal, state and local authorities, as well as private industry. “ANSI compliance has been developing for years and years, making it one of the drivers of the safety apparel market,” notes Erickson.

So, too, has the recognition that worker safety involves more than merely providing employees with reflective vests. “ANSI isn’t a vest standard, it’s an apparel standard,” says Erickson.

While of paramount concern, safety isn’t the only factor influencing the market. According to Erickson, today’s companies are increasingly concerned with providing garments that are both comfortable and stylish. “Businesses are looking to incorporate design elements into the clothing that are important to the brand,” continues Erickson. “That can be achieved with this product.”

One might not think of highway workers as being particularly fashion-forward, but the market for such clothing extends far beyond such workers. Household names like Fed Ex and UPS are all interested in providing high visibility, ASNI-compliant clothing to their employees. “These companies are interested in all types of technology that could better reflect their brand,” notes Erickson. If you don’t think these employees need high visibility apparel, think again. While the risk of injury is admittedly low, the process of getting in an out of a vehicle still presents hazards. Moreover, great variability in illumination conditions exists in daytime or nighttime due to weather, daylight savings time and other factors.

How it works

Trims are composed of retroreflective lenses bonded to fabric backings. They sew easily onto other fabrics and may be hand-cut, die-cut, slit or guillotined.

The unique design of 3M’s new segmented trim provides improved moisture vapor transmission so workers can stay dryer and cooler in certain situations. They are also more flexible, making garments more comfortable to move in. “They’re less stiff and look more fashionable than traditional solid strips,” adds Erickson.

Scotchlite reflective material - 5510 segmented home wash trim and Scotchlite reflective material - 5530 segmented industrial wash trim are designed for improved wash durability, which can contribute to a longer garment life, thus adding value. The home version withstands up to 75 washes while the life expectation of garments using solid trim is 50.

Both meet retroreflective performance standards and are certified to ANSI, CSA and other standards. Erickson says that the trim will be used predominately with level 2 ANSI classifications but can be used in class 3 instances as well.

The segmented trims are being produced through a business relationship between 3M and Safe Reflections, Inc. Safe Reflections, owners of the Airex ® trademark, is the exclusive converter of these products for 3M. “Working with 3M will broaden customized applications of Scotchlite reflective material to meet a unique and growing need in the marketplace,” said Bob Koppes, owner of Safe Reflections. “We are very excited to be expanding our relationship with them to better serve the occupational industry.”

Safe Reflections already manufactures Airex® reflective breathable trim, a patterned trim that allows air to flow through the reflective area, making the garment lightweight, cooler and more flexible. Airex can be customized to nearly any pattern and include any graphics, repeating or not. “The partnership makes sense given their experience in this line,” says Erickson.

Scotchlite reflective material - 5510 segmented home wash trim and Scotchlite reflective material - 5530 segmented industrial wash trim became available June 2007 through a variety of garment manufacturers.

(Editor’s Note: For a better understanding of ANSI, its classifications, and how the standard impacts the current uniform marketplace, be sure to read the feature appearing in the Fall/Winter, 2007 edition of Made to Measure.)