Fire Safety Solutions Regulatory

TRUSTED FOR EXCEPTIONAL FIRE SAFETY

A leader in the industry, Albemarle’s fire safety products help save lives and protect property through sustainable manufacturing, excellent stewardship practices, and continuous technological innovation. There is increased use of electrical equipment, electronics, and combustible building materials worldwide, all of which can create an increased risk for fire hazards. Polymer, wire and cable, and textile manufacturers around the world rely on our products to add life-saving properties to their materials—and so can you. Albemarle is constantly aware of ever- changing fire safety regulations worldwide, assuring that our customers meet or exceed standards today while making smart decisions for future development and production.

PRODUCTS FOR A BETTER TOMORROW

As stewards of the planet, we are committed to meeting the needs of our customers as we provide high quality products in a safe and environmentally responsible manner while maintaining regulatory compliance. At Albemarle, we rigorously test and evaluate our products to mitigate the risk they might pose to human health and the environment, and how we can control these impacts throughout the value chain. We follow stringent approval processes for our flame retardant products and work with government and regulatory groups to expand our knowledge base regarding flame retardants.


Safety is Albemarle’s top priority, and we believe 

that there is no need for anyone to have to choose between

fire protection and risking life or property.



MODERN FLAME RETARDANTS

Various types of flame retardants are available and while they may have similar chemical names, their differences in use, structure, safety, and environmental profiles make them unique. Due to this complexity, some global policymakers have looked to previous flame retardant regulations to establish future regulations. However, this can lead to regulations which are overgeneralized, overlooking the unique features of each flame retardant, and can result in a ban or restriction on potentially life-saving chemistries that do not possess the same safety or environmental profiles of outdated chemistries.
The National Academy of Sciences suggested grouping flame retardants into 14 different subclasses. This is evidence that while flame retardants’ intended function is the same, these chemistries vary and are in distinct subclasses. Albemarle supports chemical regulations backed by scientific evidence.

Using a one-size-fits-all approach when regulating flame retardants could enable global policymakers to restrict or ban flame retardants and their life-saving benefits based on flawed information and assumptions. This shortcut regulatory approach is not backed by scientific data that would assist in prioritizing substances.

Scientific Evidence Empowers

We work independently and with global trade associations to conduct and publish scientific research that is peer-reviewed and verified. These studies are available to government agencies and other relevant entities. For example, in 2020, the International Bromine Council (also known as BSEF) commissioned an extensive study on the circularity of plastics, including the feasibility of recycling, to promote the continued use of brominated substances while fostering a circular economy.

OUR PROACTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT

Albemarle participates in a unique product stewardship program called the Voluntary Emissions
Control Action Program (VECAP). VECAP is an innovative and excellence-driven plan of managing
chemicals. It demonstrates the proactive involvement of companies committed to acting in the best
interest of society and the environment. The program aims to reduce emissions of brominated
flame retardants (BFRs) through the promotion of environmental best practices throughout the value chain.



Don't just take our word for it...

Explore more about bromine and its regulatory requirements from the world's top bromine associations: