In a new work, biobased components, namely gelatin, phytic acid and sodium montmorillonite, are employed to assemble an organic-inorganic hybrid coating capable of endowing the PET fabric with flame and smoke suppression abilities. Development of fire-safe materialsThe coated fabrics exhibit rapid self-extinguishing behavior during flame spread tests. Cone calorimetry shows a conspicuous reduction in the peak of heat release rate (pkHRR −58 %) and total smoke release (TSR −63 %). A micro-intumescent behavior supported by a clay rich inorganic layer is found as the main flame retardant mechanism. According to the researchers, the novel use of sustainable biobased components provides a new effective strategy for the development of fire-safe materials.