The Case for Leather Alternatives in Industrial PPE
At AX Materials, we believe that protection should never come at the cost of mobility. That’s why we’ve developed a broad portfolio of high-performance leather alternative materials engineered to deliver rugged durability without the stiffness—empowering workers across industries to move freely, safely, and efficiently.
Stiffness Is an Ongoing Issue With Industrial Gloves
Protective gloves need to be durable, but dexterity is also critical in dangerous environments where every second and movement counts. Stiff PPE that restricts freedom of movement can pose serious issues, including:
Poor Grip: Construction, oil and gas, utilities, and tactical settings often require workers to have fine motor control to grip tools or operate machinery. Stiff gloves can get in the way and potentially lead to accidents.
Hand Fatigue: Rigid materials make the hand work harder to do tasks, which can cause muscle strain or premature fatigue during long shifts on the job.
Delayed Reaction Times: In high-stakes careers like firefighting or law enforcement, being able to act fast is critical; however, stiff PPE that impedes mobility can lower response times.
Worker Risk or Non-Compliance: Workers are more likely to remove to avoid wearing gloves that are uncomfortable or hinder their performance on the job, which increases risk of injury and runs counter to compliance requirements.
AX Materials addresses these issues with materials that provide exceptional protection in high-risk and dangerous environments while offering flexibility and dexterity.
Soft Yet Rugged: AX Leather Alternatives
AX Materials are built to protect, and our leather alternatives have critical features like resistance to abrasion, oil, water, cold, heat, and punctures, without compromising on flexibility and hand feel.
The materials in our portfolio of protective PPE are tailored to a range of industrial-grade use cases:
Construction & General Work
We manufacture materials specifically for construction and general work that offer the ideal balance of softness, strength, and flexibility for jobsites where mobility and protection are equally critical.
- 10W
- Bravo
- Billy
- Novo Series
- Victory CDP
- Raven
Additionally, our GripPlus RPET material adds enhanced grip and sustainability, making it perfect for roofing, framing, or high-exertion trades.
Oil & Gas, Utilities, and Manufacturing
Designed to perform in dirty, hazardous, or extreme environments, these materials resist hazards including oil and chemical absorption, flames, and sharp objects. SubZero, our newest development, resists cold cracking while staying flexible even in lower temperatures, which can cause materials to stiffen more. In addition, G-Series and Res-Q are favorites for oilfield crews, and Cutora offers cut resistance without adding bulk.
- SubZero
- Res-Q
- G-Series
- Medora™
- Cutora™
Mining
Mining requires durable PPE that can handle abrasive surfaces and conditions like rock, moisture, and heat while allowing precision work in confined spaces. Our mining-grade materials are manufactured to combat these conditions.
- 10W
- Medora™
- Cutora™
- Novo Series
- GripPlus RPET
Fire Safety
Flame-resistance is non-negotiable in firefighting, and Medora offers lightweight thermal protection while preserving hand flexibility – especially ideal for wildland fire crews or emergency response teams. Res-Q is a great option for first responders with extreme abrasion resistance suitable for extrication and rescue operations.
- Medora™
- Res-Q
Tactical, Law Enforcement & Security
We offer many materials that are designed specifically to take on the pressures and risks present in tactical, law enforcement, and security work environments.
- Hide
- Fit
- Cinco
- Laredo
- Quattro
- CPM Connect
- Diez
Tactical work demands rapid response, intuitive movement, and rugged protection, and our Tiro and Fit materials are designed to feel like a second skin, ideal for weapons handling.
For law enforcement and military fieldwork, our Quattro and CPM Connect materials provide added protection with comfort and flexibility.
Eco-Friendly, High-Performance Alternatives
When protection is the priority, sustainability takes a backseat, which is why we’re proud to also offer RPET (recycled polyester) materials that are a greener alternative to natural leather and offer excellent durability, protection, and comfort.
- Bravo RPET
- Venture RPET
- Rivolta RPET + Connect
- Vida-CV RPET
Rethinking Industrial PPE, One Layer at a Time
Our goal isn’t just to match the durability of leather – it’s to exceed it with materials that are designed to meet the demands of high-risk environments with zero compromise.
Whether you’re outfitting utility workers for extreme temperatures, designing tactical gloves for elite teams, or developing manufacturing gear that supports hours of precision work, AX Materials have the innovation and precision you need to prioritize safety and comfort in your products.
Reach out to our team to learn more about how our materials can support the safety and comfort you need for your protective glove line.