"Protection and comfort go hand in hand." An interview with expert Vera De Glas
Last updated:
24/2/2025
Vera De Glas, an expert in protective clothing, combines technical knowledge with a passion for safety and sustainability. Her career reflects a commitment to innovation, collaboration and the well-being of the end user. With years of experience in manufacturing and international standards committees, she is committed to finding the balance between protection, comfort and sustainability.
"My background is in textile engineering," says Vera De Glas. "After my studies, I went to work as a plant manager in a coating Organisation and later at Sioen Fabrics. For fifteen years I worked in different departments, where I was responsible for daily operations. Yet I always wanted more. I wanted not only to manage production processes, but also to be involved in new developments and customer contact."
That drive brought her to Sioen's apparel division in 2003. "I was responsible for coating. We delivered high-visibility semi-finished products, for example. Soon I discovered how important standards are. If you want to understand what products have to meet, you have to look at standards."
Standards development became a passion that she hasn't let go of since. "At Sioen, we make protective clothing that must comply with European regulations. Following standards gives us a great advantage. After all, we know what is changing and can anticipate it."
Vera's philosophy on standards is clear: "Standards exist to protect people. Standards should not be abused by companies that put commercial interests first. Unfortunately, that does happen. Some big players try to use standards to promote their own products. That bothers me greatly."
Her involvement in risk assessment and her experience in manufacturing have shaped her view of standards. "I have seen hazards and accidents," she says. For example, she recounts a serious incident in the coating department for which she was responsible as a 24-year-old. A young employee mistook a barrel and accidentally used dimethylformamide, a solvent that is now banned. He was wearing plastic gloves. The product penetrated them and caused severe chemical burns, worse than ordinary burns.
"What you do has impact," she says. "I never want to get that phone call telling me that an end user was improperly protected and suffered serious injuries. Let's face it: standards alone are not enough. They must be backed up by proper training and follow-up. I have often experienced workmen getting splashes in their eyes because they were not wearing safety glasses. Then I arranged for modern safety glasses similar to those worn by cyclists. They liked those and were happy to wear them. After all, people want to look good, even in the workplace. But in the end it's all about the right protection, and that's what drives me. That's what I do it for."
Vera emphasizes that comfort and ergonomics are essential for effective protective clothing. "Take a firefighter: he wears a helmet, gloves, boots, respiratory protection ... But what if the collar of his jacket hinders him or if he doesn't wear his helmet correctly, leaving one spot on his body unprotected? Comfort and ergonomics are important!"
To address those challenges, Vera developed a multifunctional garment that adapts to conditions. "It's a bit like winter tires for a car," she explains. "In floods, a firefighter can add an extra membrane to his outfit, while in summer it can be removed. The same goes for thermal layers: you adjust the degree of protection without making it uncomfortable."
This innovative design is not only functional, but also sustainable. "Instead of producing multiple sets of clothing, you have one outfit that is multifunctional. That's better for the environment and for the user."
Since 2016, Vera has been working on another groundbreaking project: a smart ppe (smart personal protective equipment). "This is a jacket with sensors that monitor temperature and provide preventive warnings of heat hazards. The system gives an auditory or vibration signal, so the user knows when to take action."
The project is supported by the Flemish government and is the result of a close collaboration with Imec, Elasta, Connect Group and the Paris Fire Department. "The algorithm we are developing analyzes real-time data and can warn firefighters of imminent danger. For example, if the temperature gets too high, the suit indicates that. Then the firefighter can decide to retreat. Or he can get down on his knees, because heat accumulates at the top."
The technical challenges are great. "We don't want the electronics to fail in dangerous conditions or batteries to explode. In addition, the system has to survive dozens of washes and extreme situations."
"Protective clothing must not only be safe, but also sustainable," Vera De Glas emphasizes. How do you translate sustainability into a garment? Clothing must be easy to repair and the various materials must be easily dismantled at the end of the life cycle.
She illustrates, "Take a jacket with rain protection and high-visibility elements. That jacket quickly consists of multiple materials: a waterproof layer, reflective bands, a lining, zippers and buttons. The goal of an Eco-Design is to be able to easily dismantle clothing at 'End of Life' and sort and reuse the materials afterwards. So, not so much recycling, but "upcycling. That means giving materials an equally new life, such as making new yarns for undergarments."
"Sustainability starts with a mental shift," Vera says. "Buying jeans for 25 euros is 'not done,' and the same goes for protective clothing."
In addition to her view of standards, Vera also has a distinct idea about how they are developed. Standards development requires an overarching approach; a total package rather than separate components.
For example, Vera is an active participant in European standards committees. "Among other things, I work in CEN TC 162, Working Group 2, which focuses on protection against heat and flame." But instead of developing individual standards for different components - such as gloves or jackets - an overarching approach urged itself.
"This is why CEN/CENELEC has launched JTC 23, a horizontal working group that integrates all aspects of personal protective equipment (PPE). CEN-CENELEC/JTC23/WG2 'Ergonomics, comfort and compatibility of personal protective equipment' will ensure that all components of protective clothing are compatible and offer optimal protection," says Vera.
The challenge of international standards development in the fire safety sector, according to Vera, lies in diversity. "We strive for one standard that applies internationally, but what works for a firefighter in Japan is not necessarily appropriate for someone in Scandinavia. Climate, culture and specific needs play a big role. International standards must leave room for adaptation to local contexts."
Vera also stresses that other countries, such as Japan, are open to international standards, such as the European standard for firefighter protective clothing, as long as they do not negatively affect the comfort or protection of the end user.
Globalization is also affecting how standards for protective clothing are developed. China is now the world's largest textile producer, and the shift of production to Asia is affecting standards around the world. Vera has experienced these changes up close. She explains: "When we in Europe develop a standard for protective clothing, our people have to work with Chinese experts and take their needs into account, especially if the producers there are involved in the production of the fibers or materials."
Vera has long been involved in various working groups and committees focused on the development of standards for protective clothing. Those committees are often composed of a wide range of experts, from engineers and R&D specialists to material suppliers and even end users.
According to Vera, end users play a key role in the success of those working groups, although it is unfortunate that they are often missing. "The end users usually don't have the time or resources to participate, and that's a shame. Still, I try to have regular conversations with them," she says. "With Maurice Kemmeren, for example, current expert at NEN. He was a firefighter and now works at the Institute for Physical Safety in the Netherlands. He often says that I have a clear vision of things, and that's because I myself spent 15 years on the shop floor as a plant manager. As a result, I can empathize well with the end user."
Her work on those committees is intense and time-consuming, but Vera is motivated. "I really believe in what I do. As an R&D engineer, I am often with customers, and I see the practical challenges users face. That gives me energy to keep going, even when the process is difficult."
In her career, Vera has seen much change in the standards development process. "Covid has shifted the dynamic. Virtual meetings are convenient, but during physical meetings, such as at the coffee table, you often reach consensus faster."
Still, she notes that younger generations sometimes have a hard time dealing with the intensity of those meetings. "Standards development is a work of patience. Discussions about definitions or scope may seem pointless, but they matter. In addition, frequent travel is a challenge, especially for those with young families." She recalls an intensive meeting in Bordeaux. "That was a full week, from 8:30 a.m. Monday to 5 p.m. Friday. I left on Sunday and wasn't back until Saturday. That takes dedication."
Vera also points to the aging of the industry. "In the office I am one of the oldest employees, but in standards meetings I often feel young," she laughs.
For Vera, working on standards development has provided more than just technical knowledge. It has given her a broader network and international recognition. "Through my work in standards development, I have learned how others work in different countries. That exchange of knowledge and experiences has enriched me as an engineer," she says. "It has validated my methods, and I find that I also get recognition for my work outside my Organisation, Sioen."
She also emphasizes the benefits for companies. "Participating in standards development not only keeps you abreast of the latest developments, but also allows you to play an active role in shaping the standards that define your industry."
She says it is especially important for her to know that her work has a direct impact on people's safety. She refers back to the unfortunate incident of the young employee with the dimethylformamide, which she mentioned earlier. "His hands were severely burned and he was unable to work for months. That incident shaped me and is why I am committed to standards development. I want to prevent something like that from happening again."
In 2021, Vera De Glas received the prestigious NBN award, recognizing her efforts in standards development. "I'm still proud," she says. "One of the reasons for the award was my role as project leader on ISO 23616. That is the first standard for the cleaning, inspection and repair of protective equipment for firefighters."
The project was intense, but the recognition, even from international experts from countries such as Japan and China, made it worthwhile. "I sacrificed many weekends for that standard, but the result makes me proud." Since then, Vera has taken a step back. "I still work as an expert and for the CEN/CENELEC/JTC23 WG2 working group as secretary, but with a little less responsibility."
Standards development is a complex and time-consuming process, and Vera has advice for those considering delving into this field. "My advice is simple: persevere and be patient. It's a different way of working than what people in the industry are used to," she says. "You always have to follow up on all documents, open every email and engage in discussions. Even academics have trouble following the extensive documentation and having detailed discussions. But it's worth it, because at the end of the day, you are contributing to the safety of many people."
Would you like to help develop standards yourself? But would you like to learn more about standardization first? Then our free webinar "Standardization: The Basics" is your chance to take a first step into this exciting world.
