Xeros helps clean up US firefighters

Xeros said its cleaning system will extend the life of expensive firefighting garments.

The Rotherham-based firm makes polymer beads that can be used in specially designed washing machines that replace most of the water with the beads.

The beads attract stains to the bead surface, extracting dirt and the firm said its cleaning method is highly effective at removing harmful contaminants whilst also extending the life of expensive firefighting garments.

Xeros said its cleaning system is fully compliant with the US National Fire Protection Association 1851 standard for the cleaning of firefighter equipment.

Mark Nichols, chief executive of Xeros, said: “Our ability to meet the highest performance requirements of firefighter personal protection equipment cleaning whilst simultaneously delivering significant operational benefits provides further evidence of good progress on our objective to become the de facto standard for cleaning high performance workwear.

“This market is a significant addition to that of our existing on-premise laundry business and another example of commercialising our intellectual property across multiple large scale global industries.”

The personal protection equipment solution will form part of Xeros’ existing Sbeadycare service and will be available to the more than 58,000 fire stations in the US.

Xeros said the system will also be used to clean high performance workwear and technical protective equipment in other markets including petroleum, mining, construction and military agencies.

The news comes as Xeros said it is making “excellent” progress following the endorsement of its bead technology by high profile firms such as Hilton hotels.

Xeros said that its cleaning process has been shown to produce a superior result to traditional washing and at a lower cost.

It is exploring other areas for the technology, such as in tanning leather.

The group is developing a number of commercial relationships and has been awarded approved supplier status by Hilton hotels in the Americas. The deal means that Hilton’s 4,300 American hotels now have access to Xeros’ cleaning technology.

It said it is also in detailed discussions with several globally recognised manufacturers to incorporate Xeros’ technology in commercial and residential washing machines.

Xeros is currently using its polymer technology platform in two areas: commercial and domestic laundry and tanning technologies. It has also announced a third area of focus on the textile sector.

In tanning, the group recently signed a heads of terms with Wollsdorf Leder Tannery in Austria for a 10-year contract to convert its entire re-tanning processes to Xeros’ technology. In addition, four European tanneries have committed to trials with two currently underway, including one with a globally recognised brand.

In textiles, Xeros has started a number of small-scale trials.

“All early indications are that Xeros’ technology can reduce the chemistry, water consumption and effluent in textile manufacturing," said Mr Nichols.

“Work is now underway to cover application areas with intellectual property registration.”