GREEN RANGE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Since its launch in early 2024, The Green Range has exemplified our steadfast commitment to sustainability. In anticipation of the European Chemicals Agency's proposed ban on PFAS in firefighting foam by December 2030, we are transitioning towards a completely PFAS-free fire extinguisher range. This proactive approach ensures a smooth transition for our customers as the UK prepares to introduce its own PFAS legislation.

The Green Crosshair symbol, featured on all fire extinguishers in The Green Range, proudly highlights our dedication to sustainable fire safety and serves as an easy identifier for PFAS-free products.

Fluorine Free Foam Fire Extinguishers - Launched in 2024, the CommanderEDGE enviroFoam Fluorine-Free Foam Fire Extinguisher range meets the increasing demand for an environmentally friendly firefighting solution. Free from harmful PFAS, this range effectively tackles both Class A and Class B fires, aligning with our commitment to sustainability.

Fluorine Free Water Fire Extinguishers - Featuring a PFAS-free additive, the CommanderEDGE enviroWater Fluorine-Free Fire Extinguisher range is perfect for Class A fire risk environments that demand high-performance solutions. To cater to various applications, the enviroWater range is available in three capacities: 3ltr, 6ltr, and 9ltr.

Fluorine Free Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers - The new wet chemical fire extinguisher from Commander and CommanderEDGE is completely free of PFAS chemicals and specifically designed for Class F fires involving cooking oils or fats. This range, now Kitemarked to BS EN3, features a new bell-bottom hose, making it a powerful and sustainable solution for Class F fire safety.

Understanding customer awareness and concerns about PFAS: –

PFAS, commonly referred to as "forever chemicals," are raising significant concerns due to their environmental persistence and potential health risks. Present in many everyday products, these chemicals are now facing heightened regulatory scrutiny.

Only AFFF foams containing PFOA (C8) Perfluorooctanoic acid or any PFAS Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances containing C8, which would also include PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) are banned from use from 4th July 2025.

PFAS is a very large group of more than 10,000 fluorinated molecules, some are banned but not all. It is true that all PFAS materials will be banned at some stage in the near future, but they are not all covered by current legislation. PFAS materials such as PFOA and PFOS have not been used in the manufacturing of AFFF foam concentrates in the EU for at least 10 years. If an AFFF foam extinguisher is between 1 and 5 years old as of today, it is highly unlikely to contain PFOA or PFOS (C8).

Foam extinguishers that contain AFFF foam, and which are in circulation today, are manufactured using C6 fluoro surfactants. That is to say, they do not contain PFOA or PFOS and are not therefore impacted by this ban. There is new legislation planned for publication in 2025, which will set out a timeline for the banning of the PFHxA molecule (Perfluorohexanoic acid) which is directly related to C6 fluoro surfactants. This particular legislation will signal the final use of AFFF as an extinguishing agent, not just in extinguishers but across all industries, including the Fire and Rescue Services, petrochemical, aviation, shipping and fire system industries. The timeline for the elimination of AFFF (C6) and other film forming firefighting foam products will depend on the nature of the industry in question. In the draft of this new legislation, it is proposed that AFFF (C6) used in extinguishers will be banned in 5 years from publication of the legislation, whereas the petrochemical and shipping industries will have 10 years before the ban takes effect.

The Environment Agency insists that all PFAS containing foams are incinerated. This includes all AFFF foams regardless of whether they are manufactured with C6 or C8 fluoro surfactants. This is directly related to waste streams generated from the disposal of AFFF foams in extinguishers.