The green revolution in firefighting: A look at the latest Fluorine-free foams

By Marinus Scott, senior technical sales representative firefighting foam products, Africa and Southern Africa, AECI Speciality Chemicals

For decades, firefighting efforts have relied heavily on aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) to combat dangerous liquid fuel fires. While incredibly effective, these foams contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often dubbed "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment and documented links to adverse health effects. The tide is now turning, however, as stricter regulations and a growing environmental consciousness propel the firefighting industry towards a greener, safer future: Fluorinefree firefighting foams (F3).

Why the shift?

The PFAS problem

PFAS, including compounds like PFOA and PFOS, are highly stable and resist degradation, meaning they can contaminate soil, water, and even enter the food chain, posing long-term risks. Regulatory bodies worldwide, including the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are implementing stringent controls and outright bans on PFAS in firefighting foams. For instance, a major shift is underway with the complete ban on PFOA-based firefighting foams expected by July 2025 in many regions in Europe and broader PFAS restrictions anticipated by 2030. This regulatory pressure, coupled with increasing awareness of their environmental and health impacts, is driving the rapid adoption of F3 (Fluorine Free) alternatives.

The rise of F3: innovation in action

The good news is that Fluorinefree foam technology has advanced significantly, offering effective solutions without the environmental baggage. Modern F3 formulations utilize innovative chemistries, often based on specialised hydrocarbons, silicones and sugars, to achieve fire suppression capabilities that rival and in some cases even surpass, traditional AFFF.

Key developments in the latest

F3 foams include:

Enhanced performanceNew F3 products are engineered for rapid knockdown, superior cooling effects, and reduced flashover risk. For example, Dr Sthamer launched their vaPUREx® AR 3/3 F-5 recently and this foam appears to be one of the best performing foam agents. The fire-extinguishing agent proved its efficiency through numerous fire tests in compliance with various international standards. During large-scale fire tests conducted by users around the LASTfire group, vaPUREx® AR 3/3 F-5 produced the fastest fire performance on the 300-squaremetre fire surface.

Diverse applications

From aviation fuels to everyday combustibles, F3 foams are being developed for a wide array of Class A and Class B fire scenarios. The US Navy and major airports under FAA jurisdiction have already approved F3 for use, demonstrating its efficacy in critical applications.

Environmental responsibility

The primary advantage of F3 foams is their lack of intentionally added PFAS chemicals, making them more biodegradable and significantly reducing their environmental persistence and toxicity. This translates to lower lifecycle costs due to easier disposal and improved corporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) scores.

Equipment

To change or not to change. In spring 2024, Dr Sthamer were given the opportunity by a large petrochemical company to apply vaPUREx® AR 3/3 F-5 using a large monitor of over 20 000l/ min capacity. In addition to determining the proportioning rate, they were able to check the foam expansion ratio in the landing zone of the foam. The Williams monitor tested contained a selfinducting hollow jet nozzle. This was fed by three jet pumps (large Venturi proportioners), which drew the foam concentrate from IBC's provided. The foam produced was collected in the collection chamber of a petrol storage tank and fed into the sewage treatment plant in a controlled manner. When entering the collection chamber, the excellent flowing characteristics of the foam was assessed by a team of experts present.

An important question that can only be answered in practice: How quickly and how well does the foam blanket spread across the surface?

Collecting chambers and process plants in particular are equipped various fittings that can act as obstacles. Strong flowing properties allow the foam to completely surround those obstacles. A stable connection between the foam blanket and the object helps to cool the walls down quickly and suppress rising vapours. During the fire tests in Vernon, vaPUREx® AR 3/3 F-5 already showed excellent connecting properties and complete vapour suppression in the area around the edge of the tank. These results can also be transferred to fittings.

Dr Sthamer produces one of the best performing foam agents and with their focus on the new F3-foams, produced without PFAS (without fluorosurfactants) the foam were developed to replace predominantly AFFF foams. With more than a hundred years’ experience, Dr Sthamer is well placed to be part of this change.

Partnering with another industry leader, AECI, who has also been around for a century, supports Dr Sthamer vision for firefighting foam. Making use of AECI’s manufacturing facility to manufacture their foams to cover the African continent. AECI will continue to manufacture the AFFF firefighting foams until the whole market has shifted over to F3 foams. AECI is also busy upgrading their manufacturing facility to accommodate the latest F3 foam.

Challenges and the path forward

While the progress in F3 technology is impressive, the transition is not without its challenges. Firefighters may need to adapt their application techniques slightly, as F3 foams, while effective, might behave differently than AFFF due to the absence of the aqueous film. Training programs are crucial to ensure firefighters are proficient in using these new agents to maximise their effectiveness. Furthermore, ensuring a robust global supply chain for F3 foams is an ongoing effort, with costs and regional availability varying.

The future of firefighting foam is undeniably Fluorine-free. With continuous research and development, combined with proactive regulatory measures and industry adoption, the shift to F3 foams represents a monumental step towards safer firefighting practices, protecting both our communities and our planet for generations to come.

Jan Knappert the international sales director will be visiting South Africa from 21 to 25 July 2025. We will be visiting Johannesburg, Durban, George and Cape Town during the week to educate regarding the new legislation and promote the new Fluorine free foams. People can get in contact with me should they require any more information:

Marinus ScottTel: +27 11 922 1809Mobile: +27 82 330 6250Email: marinus.scott@ aeciworld.com.

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