At The Core of Flame-resistant Fabrics
For the past 175 years, SNF’s Oldbury site has been forging a legacy as an innovator of science-driven solutions based on phosphorus chemistry. Our combination of expertise, fully integrated manufacturing processes, and proprietary technology ultimately converged to create PROBAN® flame-resistant fabrics.
Protective clothing manufactured from PROBAN® provides flash fire protection, safeguards against arc flash and molten metal splashes, and protects millions of industrial and institutional customers and end-consumers worldwide.
SNF's Integrated Global Platform
The process of manufacturing reliable flame-resistant clothing begins at SNF’s vertically integrated phosphorus platform, where we produce and deliver a combination of chemical monomers to our textile partners worldwide.
Our partners use SNF’s technology license to complete the polymerization process in their textile plants. Once finished, they submit samples from every batch of fabric produced to our UKAS ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory for washing (at least 50 washes/50 dries) and flame spread testing.
Only upon successfully passing these tests will they receive a unique PROBAN® reference number and test certificate, which allows them to request a PROBAN® label to attach to their completed garments — a simplified, visual reminder of the exacting standards followed during manufacturing and testing.
The PROBAN® Process
Patented chemistry
PROBAN is manufactured from patented monomers and supplied to approved licensees for controlled application.
Technology applied by licensees
Licensees use PROBAN®'s proprietary process to produce high-quality flame-resistant fabrics.
Independent lab verification
Samples of flame-retardant fabric are tested in our UKAS ISO 17025 Quality Assurance Labs.
Fabric samples tested
Laboratory testing confirms performance against the required protection criteria.
FR performance testing
Samples are cut and conditioned for flame-resistant performance evaluation.
Receiving, washing, and drying
Samples are washed and repeatedly dried in line with ISO 15797 laundering requirements.
Trademark approval proces
If requirements are met, PROBAN® trademark is approved for compliant finished fabrics.
Traceable garments produced
Garment makers use PROBAN® labels with unique identification for traceability.
PROBAN® Trademark Outcome
Only compliant fabrics and garments progress through the full process and obtain PROBAN® certification.
Responsible Performance, Proven Commitment
Our Promise
SNF is committed to helping our partners deliver sustainable, best-in-class flame-resistant protective clothing — and that means constantly evolving to meet market needs whilst maintaining product performance and compliance with international standards.
Sustainability
At SNF, we remain committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
We have reduced our carbon footprint by 43% (Scopes 1 and 2), surpassing our 2030 target. Beyond our operations, we engage key suppliers to support emissions reductions aligned with our goals. After several years of monitoring Scope 3 emissions, we have strengthened our approach and set a new target: a 15% reduction across Scopes 1, 2, and 3.
Within the PROBAN® supply chain, we have reduced emissions, water use, and waste while protecting the environment and biodiversity.
Circular Economy
Thanks to the natural fibers in PROBAN® fabrics, PROBAN® garments are readily and easily recycled. The recycled fibers can be used to impart flame resistance in other applications as well as protective clothing. The flame resistance of the recycled fibers from a trial of end-of-life garments is displayed here, reinforcing that PROBAN® can protect beyond the lifetime of the garment.
