Polymer Compounders Embraces FRX Innovation

NOFIA^® family of flame retardants, is already a proven alternative for TPP-containing flame retardants in several end applications, with the first commercial adoption by the company’s European partner, Polymer Compounders Ltd. under the NOTOXICOM^® brand.

FRX Innovations, Inc., announces that on February 23rd, the European Union’s Chemical Agency, ECHA, declared the planned addition of Tri Phenyl Phosphate (TPP), a common flame retardant additive, used globally, either directly or as part of other flame retardants in a range of applications including automotive, consumer electronics and printed circuit boards, as a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC), due to its adverse health profile and specifically for its Endocrine Disruption properties.

“When chemicals are announced as candidates for classification as SVHC, it usually means that companies will move away from their use in any sensitive application with a risk of human or environmental exposure,” said FRX Innovations President and CEO, Marc Lebel, added:

“TPP is found in several high volume flame retardants that will now likely have to be modified to reduce the TPP level below what we expect to be 0.1% or, could even be discontinued by those suppliers not able to achieve this level. For those able to achieve this low level, it will likely mean a significant increase in the cost of manufacturing. Should FRX achieve just a ten (10%) per cent market penetration, the annual NOFIA^® demand in this market would reach $100 million.”

“Endocrine Disrupting chemicals are chemicals that may mimic, block, or interfere with the body’s hormones… These chemicals are associated with a wide array of health issues”, according to the US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

This news follows recent announcements of regulations limiting the use of halogenated flame retardants and also PFAS, Forever Chemicals, in flame retardant products. FRX has already announced how its Nofia Flame Retardants can replace halogenated flame retardants, and PFAS chemicals in many large-volume applications. Nofia flame retardants can also replace the largest TPP-containing flame retardant, known as BPADP, it is used in the enclosures of household electronics, battery housings, and many other uses.

The first commercial use of a Nofia flame retardant to replace BPADP was launched by the UK-based compounder Polymer Compounders. PCL Commercial Development Manager, Rupert Barrett, said:
“Not only is this news incredibly encouraging for all those associated with FRX and PCL, but also the general public and community. As we have become more aware of the detrimental harm TPP can inflict upon both humans and the environment, our passion and determination to spread the health and sustainable credentials Notoxicom^® encompasses has been at the forefront of our business.”

“As momentum gathers, we will continue to work in tandem with FRX to ensure we maximize our resources and persist with the task at hand.”

FRX Innovations is a global manufacturing company, that produces a family of sustainable flame-retardant products that serve several large markets spanning textiles, electronics, automotive, electric vehicles (EV), and medical devices. FRX is led by a team of highly experienced business and technical professionals and is positioned to be a leader in the rapidly changing flame-retardant plastics and additives market in response to new legislation prohibiting Brominated and Perfluoro flame retardants found in a wide range of electronics and electrical products and restricting the use of melamine flame retardant chemicals found in furniture and mattress foam products.

NOFIA^® is a registered trademark of FRX. NOFIA^® products are manufactured at its manufacturing facility in the Port of Antwerp in Belgium, one of the world’s largest chemical-producing clusters. NOFIA Polyphosphonates are produced using sustainable green chemistry principles such as a solvent-free production process, no waste by-products, and near 100% atom efficiency, and are halogen, PFAS and melamine free.

FRX’s portfolio includes an extensive patent estate. FRX has been at the forefront of the ESG movement to a greener future. The company has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the EPA’s Environmental Merit Award, the Belgium Business Award for the Environment, and the Flanders Investment of the Year Award. FRX has also been recognized six times on the Global Cleantech 100 list.

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Polymer Compounders Ltd
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