Cooling gel-based clothing trialed in Singapore might be key to protecting wearers by lowering body heat

SINGAPORE, May 24 — A start-up developing heat mitigation technology has begun testing a new type of cooling garment in Singapore that uses water based gel beads to draw heat away from the skin, potentially lowering surface temperature by up to 9°C.

According to The Straits Times, the product, created by climate tech firm Eztia Materials, was showcased at a Building and Construction Authority technology exchange event on May 22, where government agencies and industry players examined tools to protect outdoor workers from rising temperatures. The gel is printed on the inside of clothing in small, soft beads that absorb heat and release it gradually through evaporation.

Eztia, founded in the United States in 2022 and operating in Singapore since 2025, says the cooling effect is felt within minutes and can last several hours before the gel needs to be rehydrated. Unlike battery powered vests or fan based suits, the garments are activated simply by washing or soaking them in water.

The company currently produces singlets, arm sleeves, bandanas and scarf like wraps. Prices range from US$25 to US$57, and each item is designed to last three to six months. Eztia says costs could fall if adoption increases across worksites or uniformed sectors.

Trials are under way at several locations, including the NS Square construction site in Marina Bay, where workers in different roles have been testing the garments since early 2025. According to the site’s assistant project director, temperature readings taken during the pilot showed that a worker wearing the cooling attire registered a skin temperature roughly 4°C lower than a colleague without it.

Feedback from workers prompted refinements to the design. Earlier prototypes used firmer gel beads and zips on the sleeves, which some found uncomfortable. The current version uses a softer formulation that sits more smoothly against the skin.

Contractors involved in the trials said they had evaluated other cooling suits but were concerned about the weight of battery powered options and the potential hazards of electrical components on a worksite.

At the same event, the Ministry of Manpower said it is studying cooling solutions for road marshals as part of broader efforts to reduce heat related risks for outdoor workers.

المصدر: Malay Mail