There has long been debate in Europe about the environmental impact, fate and toxicology of certain FRs. Specifically that certain halogenated (or brominated) FRs can form toxins during their production and use, if set on fire, and when disposed of or recycled. This debate has resulted in legislation phasing out penta-BDE and PBBs - only two of the 75 brominated and halogenated FRs available.

While the debate and subsequent legislation is significant, it must be seen within the context of the overall benefits that flame retardants provide:

* FRs are vital in preventing fires from starting and spreading
* They have a proven track record when it comes to saving lives and protecting property
* They are a recognised and required element of fire protection and, without them, many products would not be allowed to come to market. In fact, the safe application of plastics would not be feasible without the use of flame retardants

Due to the obvious importance of FRs, the European Union is working closely with industry bodies to scientifically determine the risks involved with other brominated FRs and a review of all bans was made in 2004.

It is also important to recognise that EU regulatory bodies are actually increasing the number of products on the market that need to be made flame retardant - mobile phones for example, need to have flame retardant properties, because handsets are getting smaller, increasing heat generation between components.

As a result of all this speculation and legislation regarding the safety of halogenated and brominated FRs, coupled with an increased demand for flame retardant products, many FR manufacturers have begun to research alternative FRs with specific emphasis on non-brominated and halogen and antimony free FR chemicals.

The current debate surrounding the safety of certain FRs is driving the search for alternative FR technologies.

As a research based company, working exclusively in this area, Firestop considers that key factors driving the search will be:

* Compliance with new legislation (as implemented)
* Trend towards demanding Environmentally Preferable Products (EPP)
* Stricter environmental controls and new regulation
* Increasingly stringent testing and evaluation procedures
* Greater corporate responsibility with regard to fire safety and environmental protection
* Support for European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC) guidelines of Responsible Care®, designed to facilitate communication and understanding between legislative bodies and manufacturers

The Firestop range of FR chemicals has been thoroughly researched and tested, and has been specifically developed to provide a family of flame retardants which are suitable for plastics and textiles and meet the latest environmental and safety requirements.

In line with best manufacturing practice, extensive testing has been undertaken and Noflan® and Bizon™ have been accredited under EINECS (European Inventory of New & Existing Commercial Chemical Substances) and US TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act). Both Noflan and Bizon have been registered as non hazardous to human health and environment and are safe in all areas. Registration has already been achieved in the Russian Federation. Commercial production of Noflan was commissioned in 2005.