Textilcolor AG to Present Pyroshell™ Flame-Retardant Technology at Techtextil 2026
At Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt, Swiss company Textilcolor AG will introduce pyroshell™, a flame-retardant textile technology designed to enhance protection while maintaining comfort. The solution integrates a graphite-based functional layer into textile structures to increase reaction time before burns occur and withstand up to 50 industrial washes.
Flame-retardant textiles have traditionally involved a trade-off between protection and wearer comfort, particularly for workwear and protective garments worn for extended periods. At Techtextil 2026, Textilcolor AG will present pyroshell™, a graphite-based flame-retardant technology developed to address this limitation. The functional layer is incorporated into the textile structure and is intended to increase the reaction time before burns occur while improving comfort, weight and breathability. The material does not emit toxic fumes and is designed for durability of up to 50 industrial wash cycles.
The pyroshell™ structure consists of a flexible expandable graphite layer and an extremely thin, non-combustible carrier component positioned between the textile layers.
Source: Textilcolor AG
“With pyroshell™, we are presenting a flame-retardant technology at Techtextil for the first time that combines safety with comfort,” says Detlef Fischer, CEO of Textilcolor AG. “It provides protection in critical situations without compromising comfort in everyday wear.”
Modern protective textiles must meet regulatory requirements while also offering ergonomic performance, breathability and low weight. Conventional solutions often depend on inherently flame-resistant fibres or chemical treatments that can make garments rigid or heavy. Pyroshell™ uses a flexible expandable graphite layer combined with a thin, non-melting and non-combustible carrier layer that is inserted between textile fabrics. This configuration allows application across different base materials, including polyamide, polyester, Cordura-like fabrics and stretch textiles, while supporting lower overall garment weight and broader design options.
In standard conditions, the intermediate pyroshell™ layer remains inactive and does not affect the garment’s feel. When exposed to temperatures above 180 °C or when the outer fabric is damaged, the expandable graphite layer activates and expands to 40 to 60 times its original volume. This expansion forms a protective barrier that limits heat and flame transfer and prevents molten material from dripping onto the skin. Tests indicate that the system doubles the reaction time before burns occur compared with conventional materials. The protective function remains effective after up to 50 industrial wash cycles.
The material contains no halogen- or phosphorus-based chemicals, preventing the release of toxic fumes in fire situations. Depending on the construction of the end product, pyroshell™ meets European standards for protection against heat, flames and thermal hazards, as well as requirements for limited flame spread. It is also suitable for electric arc protection and can be combined with additional functions such as electrostatic dissipation or chemical splash resistance.
Under the motto “Specialty Chemicals Designed for You,” Textilcolor AG will present pyroshell™ alongside other brand technologies at the trade fair. These include coolcolors for reduced heat build-up and UV protection, Dry³ for moisture management, enerG for far-infrared energy reflection using a titanium-mineral matrix, and RepelPro, a PFC-free water and dirt repellency solution.
Event details:
What: Techtextil 2026, Frankfurt/Germany
When: 21 – 24 April 2026
Where: Messe Frankfurt, Hall 12.0, Stand E01
Contact: Hans-Ulrich Kohn, Head of Brand Management; Roland Lottenbach, Consultant & Product Manager Coating
Further information: www.textilcolor.ch/en/