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Milliken Assure™ moisture barrier from Milliken & Co., Spartanburg, S.C., has been named a winner of the 2025 R&D 100 Awards. The company says it is the first non-PFAS, non-halogenated, UL-certified flame-resistant moisture barrier for firefighter turnout gear in North America.
This recognition places Assure among the year’s recognized innovative technologies and highlights Milliken’s commitment to solving complex performance challenges through materials science. The R&D 100 Awards, often referred to as the “Oscars of Innovation,” honor the most impactful new products of the year across science and technology. Milliken has previously received R&D 100 recognition for innovations in textiles and specialty chemicals.
“We are honored to receive an R&D 100 Award for Assure,” said Halsey Cook, president and CEO of Milliken. “This recognition reflects the ingenuity of our team and our dedication to solving real-world challenges through materials science and innovation.”
Assure was selected for its pioneering design that eliminates per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and halogenated flame retardants—two chemistries long used in moisture barriers—while meeting the rigorous demands of structural firefighting. Certified to both NFPA 1971-2018 and NFPA 1970-2025 standards, the product delivers heat, water, and chemical resistance without relying on added PFAS or halogenated flame retardants.
Its lightweight and breathable construction helps firefighters perform under pressure while meeting rigorous safety benchmarks. It joins Milliken’s growing portfolio of non-PFAS fire service fabrics, offering departments across the country advanced solutions as they evaluate and upgrade their turnout gear.
The product was developed by a cross-functional team of engineers, scientists and product design experts. Milliken & Co. is a manufacturer focusing on materials science. Its portfolio includes applications across the textile, flooring, chemical and healthcare businesses.