Andy Spence of Britannia Fire explains how fire safety professionals can prepare for PFAS restrictions, reduce carbon emissions and improve whole-life value through PFAS-free technology, circular economy principles and sustainable procurement
The fire safety sector is entering a period of significant change. Growing environmental expectations, evolving regulations surrounding PFAS and increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions are prompting organisations to reassess how fire protection products are specified, managed and maintained throughout their lifecycle.
At the same time, budget constraints and supply chain considerations are placing greater emphasis on long-term value rather than upfront cost alone. Future proofing requires organisations to anticipate regulatory change, reduce environmental impact and invest in solutions that deliver long-term operational and financial benefits.
From PFAS free technologies to circular economy principles, the decisions made today will shape both sustainability performance and future resilience.
PFAS regulations and the fire safety challenge
Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), known as ‘forever’ chemicals, have historically been used in firefighting foams and fire extinguishers because of their unique ability to rapidly suppress flammable liquid fires.
However, they are under intense scrutiny as they do not degrade easily in the environment and can lead to a range of health issues, including decreased fertility, developmental delays in children, a higher risk of certain cancers and immune system suppression.
Across the European Union, regulations restricting PFAS in firefighting foams and extinguishers came into force on 23 October 2025, with a ban in most scenarios taking effect from 23 October 2030. The UK government is also taking this issue seriously.
Earlier this year the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) published its PFAS plan, which outlines key steps the government will take to understand, manage and reduce exposure to PFAS. Some action is already being taken, with the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), the agency which regulates chemicals placed on the market in Great Britain (GB), due to report back later this year on how PFAS should be phased out of firefighting foam in the UK.
The HSE is suggesting a staggered approach to phasing out PFAS in firefighting foam and extinguishers, depending on use and type. Looking at the proposed timescales for transition, it’s unlikely fire extinguishers containing PFAS would be phased out before 2031, but what we do know is that they will probably be the first to go – in part due to advances in technology and credible alternatives.
We are expecting the HSE to publish its final opinion later this year, with a decision on UK wide restrictions to follow soon after. As PFAS bans take effect across the EU and the
UK moves towards tighter regulation, those responsible for fire safety need to evaluate their existing assets, develop transition strategies for equipment containing PFAS, budget for replacement costs and manage the complex requirements associated with disposal and environmental compliance.
Transitioning to PFAS-free fire extinguishers and foams
We recognised the detrimental effects of PFAS some time ago and removed them from all our products in 2024. Since then, we have been at the forefront of shaping future fire safety regulation in the UK.
In June last year, I addressed the Environmental Audit Committee in the House of Commons, sharing our experience of phasing out PFAS with the aim of helping policymakers understand both the environmental urgency and the practical realities of a transition.
The emergence of high performing PFAS free solutions is helping to dispel the myth that switching to PFAS free is a compromise. Britannia’s lightweight, composite P50 fire extinguishers are a prime example of how the industry is evolving, combining proven fire suppression performance with PFAS free technology and a reduced environmental footprint.
They are tried and tested in the real world, meaning organisations can confidently transition away from PFAS while maintaining the levels of protection, reliability and compliance that modern fire safety demands.
Organisations need to start thinking about this now. They should review their stock to establish what needs replacing and put in place an action plan as part of their usual fire risk assessments and in accordance with their health and safety asset management plan.
If existing stock is nearing its end of life, has failed an inspection or Knowledge Partner additional units are required, make the switch and get ahead of the ban. Allow time for transition but don’t panic.
Use a reputable supplier that will support and provide advice throughout the process.
Circular economy principles for sustainable fire protection
Future-proofing fire safety requires organisations to look beyond the initial purchase cost and consider the entire lifecycle of their fire protection assets. Factors such as maintenance requirements, replacement frequency, waste generation and end-of-life disposal all contribute to the true environmental and financial cost of a product.
Adopting a lifecycle approach enables organisations to identify solutions that deliver long-term value, reduce resource consumption and minimise carbon emissions. In an era of increasing sustainability expectations, understanding the full lifecycle impact of fire safety equipment is becoming just as important as assessing its firefighting performance.
Composite fire extinguishers and long-life fire safety equipment
Traditionally, steel fire extinguishers have been the go-to solution for facilities managers and fire safety professionals, but they are prone to corrosion and therefore need servicing every year and often replacing every five years.
Composite fire extinguishers, however, are helping organisations to meet stringent waste and carbon reduction targets and simplifying fire safety. They’re made from a unique combination of durable plastic and aramid fibres, meaning they are strong, don’t corrode and therefore last 20 years.
They don’t require costly annual servicing, just simple, efficient in-house checks done as part of an organisation’s routine maintenance programme and a full refurbishment after 10 years.
They are also multipurpose, meaning organisations don’t need as many. Britannia’s composite P50 fire extinguishers are used worldwide and despite some claims to the contrary, they conform to all required regulations and standards, including BS EN3-7.
Delivering long-term cost savings Sustainable products like the P50 are well positioned to deliver long-term savings. High-quality, long-lasting equipment with reduced maintenance and replacement requirements lowers ongoing operational costs, while PFAS free solutions help organisations avoid future disposal expenses and compliance challenges associated with evolving regulations.
P50s are also multi-purpose, capable of tackling Class A and B fires as well as electrical fires, reducing the number of extinguishers needed and saving money.
By taking a whole-life cost approach, organisations can identify solutions that not only support sustainability objectives but also deliver measurable financial benefits over time.
Reducing carbon emissions across the fire safety lifecycle
Manufacturing, transportation, maintenance and end-of-life disposal all contribute to a product’s overall carbon footprint, making it important to look beyond operational performance alone.
By assessing lifecycle emissions rather than simply focusing on purchase price, organisations can identify opportunities to significantly reduce their environmental impact.
For example, selecting composite fire extinguishers that don’t require annual servicing reduces vehicle journeys and associated emissions, while products that don’t need frequently replacing, lowers the carbon costs linked to manufacturing and transportation.
They are also fully recyclable, with solar assisted, low energy manufacturing helping to minimise their carbon footprint. Choosing durable, reusable and recyclable fire safety equipment can therefore make a meaningful contribution to both carbon reduction targets and wider sustainability objectives.
Future-proofing fire safety with sustainable compliance strategies
Fire safety and sustainability are no longer separate considerations. By embracing PFAS-free technologies, lifecycle thinking and circular economy principles today, organisations can strengthen compliance, reduce costs and improve environmental performance. This will ensure that those organisations are well prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.