The core of a successful protective coverall export order often comes down to material selection. Material determines protection level, comfort, cost, and most critically – export compliance. With increasingly stringent standards in the EU, North America, and beyond, manufacturers must fully understand mainstream material properties and certification requirements to precisely match customer needs, reduce return risks, and increase profit margins.

I. Performance Comparison of Five Main Materials

- PP Nonwoven (Polypropylene Spunbond) 

Lowest cost, best breathability, soft texture, good tensile strength, but no liquid resistance. Suitable for low-risk dust protection, e.g., general workshop cleaning, mine dust removal, basic food processing. Commonly used for Type 5/6 dust coveralls in price-sensitive markets.

- SMS Nonwoven (Spunbond-Meltblown-Spunbond) 

Three-layer structure (two spunbond layers sandwiching one meltblown layer) offering strength, filtration efficiency, and moderate liquid barrier. Provides bacterial filtration, antistatic properties, non-toxic, and non-irritating. Mainstream choice for medical isolation gowns, surgical coveralls, and daily protection. Good value for EU Type 5/6 and basic bio-protection needs.

- PP+PE Film Laminate  

PP substrate laminated or coated with PE film to form a strong liquid barrier. Excellent resistance to blood, body fluids, and chemical splashes, but poor breathability (noticeable stuffiness during long wear). Used in high-contamination environments (infectious disease wards, chemical plants). Often seen in Type 3/4 chemical protective coveralls for export, requiring relevant standard testing.

- Breathable Film Composite  

Microporous film bonded to non-woven fabric creates a “one-way breathable” structure- sweat vapor can escape, while external liquids and microorganisms cannot penetrate. Maintains high liquid barrier (e.g., synthetic blood penetration resistance, antistatic liquid spray resistance) while significantly improving comfort. Preferred material for high-grade medical coveralls and premium industrial protection. Increasingly popular in medical protection exports to Europe and North America.

- ePTFE/TPU Specialty Composite  

Top-tier materials in the waterproof and breathable field. ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) systems offer excellent overall performance but are relatively expensive (approximately 380-450 RMB/㎡); domestically produced TPU composite fabrics, improved through gradient cross-linking and other technologies, offer a more competitive price-performance ratio (120-160 RMB/㎡) and are resistant to 120℃ steam sterilization, making them suitable for reusable protective clothing and special operations. They are primarily used in high-value-added orders such as high-end medical and chemical warfare agent protection.

II. Key Export Standards and Certification Points

1. EU Market (CE Marking)  

As PPE, coveralls must comply with Regulation (EU) 2016/425. High-risk products require type examination by a Notified Body. Applicable standards:

- EN 14126-Protective clothing against infective agents. Covers resistance to penetration of contaminated liquids, aerosols, and solid particles. A mandatory requirement for bio-protective coveralls.

- Type 3/4/5/6-Chemical protection classes: Type 3 (liquid chemical spray), Type 4 (chemical spray/mist), Type 5 (airborne solid particles), Type 6 (light liquid splashes).

Note: In 2026, the EU strengthened conformity assessment and market surveillance. Always verify the latest harmonized standard version with your Notified Body before shipment to avoid customs holds due to outdated standards.

2. North American Market (ASTM / NFPA Standards) 

- ASTM F1671/F1671M – Uses a bacteriophage surrogate to evaluate material resistance to blood-borne pathogens.

- ASTM F1670-Tests resistance to synthetic blood penetration under continuous liquid contact. (Passing F1670 is typically followed by F1671 for validation.)

- NFPA 1999-Standard for protective clothing for emergency medical operations; bio-protection requirements refer to ASTM F1671.

In addition, buyers often require third-party test reports covering: synthetic blood penetration resistance (120 mmHg), hydrostatic pressure (≥1.67 kPa), particulate filtration efficiency (≥70%), and breaking strength (≥45 N). Always select the corresponding test methods based on the target market.

III. Export Material Strategy and Market Trends

- Price-sensitive markets-PP non-woven for Type 5/6 dust coveralls, focus on volume and cost control.

- Medical isolation / general protection-SMS non-woven balances compliance and price, suitable for CE Type 5/6 and basic EN 14126.

- High-grade medical / chemical protection-Breathable film composite meets Type 3/4 and EN 14126, currently the mainstream for medical protection exports to Europe and North America.

- Specialty/reusable applications-ePTFE/TPU composites for high-value orders, supporting sterilization and reuse requirements.

We provide surgical gowns, disposable coveralls, lab coats, isolation gowns, etc. For specific market certification or material inquiries, feel free to contact us.