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The risks firefighters face on the job are well known but some of the most serious dangers are harder to see. Contaminants from fires can linger in firefighting PPE, trapped deep inside the layers. Over time, these toxins don’t just stay put – they release into the air and can be absorbed into the skin, even after the fire is out.
This issue isn’t new, but the way one company is tackling it is. Hunter Apparel Solutions Limited (Hunter) a UK family-run business, is taking a fresh approach to firefighter protection – combining new technology, smart systems and a big-picture focus on sustainability.
The risk that doesn’t burn out
“We’ve known for a while now that traditional washing methods just don’t cut it,” said Simon Hunter Esq, M.B.E., CEO of Hunter. “The toxins get into the membrane of the PPE and they stay there, even after it’s been cleaned. Then when that PPE is worn again – sweating, working hard, exposed to heat – those toxins off-gas. They’re breathing it in. Their pores are open. That’s when it gets into the bloodstream.”
Conventional water-based washing may look like a thorough clean, but it can be part of the problem. Not only is it often ineffective at removing microscopic contaminants, but it can actually wear down the PPE – breaking down fibres and shortening the usable life.
A new way to clean and protect
Hunter has taken the lead by being the first in the UK and Ireland to introduce liquid carbon dioxide decontamination as ‘Deconology®’. Unlike water-based systems, which can’t penetrate the waterproof membrane inside PPE, LCO₂ + technology deep-cleans at a molecular level, extracting harmful contaminants without degrading the fabric.
Traditional water-based laundry methods only remove 15-40% of contaminants from PPE leaving dangerous toxins behind, based on studies from The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health. Hunter’s Deconology® system achieves over 99% removal of harmful substances such as PAHs and PFAS, while also protecting the integrity of the garments, based on NFPA testing.
“If the toxins aren’t there, they’re not getting into your blood. It’s that simple. This isn’t just about cleaner PPE – it’s about improving the long-term health outcomes for wearers of contaminated PPE.”
Simon Hunter Esq, M.B.E., CEO of Hunter.
Hunter was recently recognised not once, but twice, at the 2025 British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) Awards, winning both the Product Innovation and Safety Solution categories. Deconology® took home the Safety Solution Award, a testament to its impact on firefighter safety and sustainable cleaning practices. You can read more about the awards here.
Hunter was also recognised as winner of the highest global honour in the professional clothing industry – taking the top prize for Safety Product Innovation at the 2025 NAUMD Awards, the Network Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors, FLEXGUARD®, is a game-changing protective limb system developed for public order professionals, learn more about FLEXGUARD® here – Flexguard®.
Tech that works behind the scenes
Hunter’s push for innovation doesn’t stop at cleaning. The team has also developed a smart system called HunterCARE® to help customers manage PPE more efficiently. It tracks where PPE is, when it was last cleaned and when it needs to be inspected or retired.
“Too many systems are clunky, and when that happens, people stop using them. HunterCARE® is built to be intuitive. The goal is to make it easier for procurement to manage PPE and take care of their staff who wear it.”
Simon Hunter Esq, M.B.E., CEO of Hunter.
Fast-moving innovation, grounded in family values
“We’re nimble. If a service tells us they need something tailored, we’re not going through layers of management – we’re picking up the phone, solving the problem and getting it done.”
The company also has its own in-house R&D centre, allowing them to test and refine new ideas quickly.
“We’re not outsourcing this stuff. We’re developing it ourselves, and that means we’re in control of quality every step of the way.”
Simon Hunter Esq, M.B.E., CEO of Hunter.
Greener PPE, cleaner conscience
Sustainability is another key part of the business. Hunter has introduced an AI-based sizing tool that eliminates the need for in-person fitting appointments and sample garments, cutting down on travel, waste and delays.
“There’s basically zero carbon in our sizing process now, and it’s more accurate too. The AI takes multiple data points, compares them against thousands of digital body scans, and recommends the best fit straight away. Our Deconology® system supports this greener approach. It doesn’t use water or detergent, and it uses far less energy than traditional methods.
“We are protecting people and the planet,” Simon said. “And we’re not having to compromise on either.”
A closer look from the ground up
At Hunter’s headquarters, everything sits under one roof – from research, design, production and the Deconology® unit. Seeing the full setup in person gave a clearer sense of how the team works: hands-on, closely connected to the product and able to trial and adapt ideas quickly.
The kit they produce is used on the frontline, but the company is just as focused on what happens before and after it’s worn – how it’s fitted, tracked, cleaned and maintained. That wider view is becoming more important as awareness around contamination grows and expectations on supplier’s shift.
Still, questions remain across the sector. What does ‘clean’ really mean when it comes to firefighter PPE? How often should gear be decontaminated? As services invest in smarter cleaning methods, how do they ensure consistency across regions and suppliers?
As those conversations continue, the setup Hunter offers is a window into how protective kit is being rethought – not just in how it’s made, but in how it’s managed long-term.
The industry will once again be gathering at the NEC, Birmingham for The Emergency Services Show, co located with The Emergency Tech Show on 17-18 September, check out the full exhibitor list here. You can find Hunter Apparel in Hall 5, Stand H170.
