For the Pastor Group, innovation and the continuous improvement process play a crucial role. As a manufacturer of fire extinguishers with fluorine-free extinguishing agents, we are proud to be at the forefront of this ground-breaking development. In this article, we would like to emphasise the importance of fluorine-free fire extinguishers and highlight their benefits for safety and the environment.
PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) are extremely persistent industrial chemicals - also known as "forever chemicals". Due to their persistence, mobility and health risks, the EU is pushing ahead with a gradual phase-out. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is in charge of the regulatory preparations.
PFOS - banned since 2008
Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) is subject to an EU-wide ban as part of the POPs regime. The manufacture, placing on the market and use - including use in fire extinguishing foams - are completely prohibited. Foam extinguishing agents containing PFOS have not been authorised for years.
PFOA - banned since 4 July 2020
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and related substances are covered by the POP Regulation (EU) 2020/784 and their manufacture, placing on the market and use are prohibited, including their use in firefighting foams. Transitional regulations only applied to narrowly defined specialised industrial applications - not for fire protection.
PFHxS - prohibited since 2023
Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) and related substances are subject to the POP Regulation (EU) 2023/1608 and their manufacture, placing on the market and use are prohibited - including in fire-fighting foams.
PFHxA (C6) - targeted REACH restriction from 2026
Undecafluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) and related substances are regulated by Regulation (EU) 2024/2462 (REACH, Annex XVII, entry 79), published in September 2024.
From 10 April 2026, the use of fire extinguishing foams containing PFHxA for training and practice purposes and the use of corresponding foam extinguishing agents at civil airports (training and testing) will be prohibited. Background: Exercise applications are considered the main source of diffuse PFAS discharges into soil and groundwater.
From 10 October 2029, the de facto phase-out of PFHxA chemistry (C6) in fire protection will be followed by further bans for additional areas of application. This regulation applies independently of the subsequent general ban on PFAS foam and is aimed specifically at C6-based foam extinguishing agents.
PFAS in firefighting foams - sectoral EU ban (in force since 23 October 2025)
Regulation (EU) 2025/1988 (REACH, Annex XVII, entry 82) prohibits the placing on the market and use of fire-fighting foams with a PFAS content of ≥ 1 mg/L (1,000 ppb).
The transitional periods in detail:
From 23 October 2026: No sale of foam fire extinguishers containing fluorine
From 23 April 2027: No sale of fluorine-containing foam fire extinguishers with alcohol-resistant (AR) foam
Until 31 December 2030: Use of foam extinguishing agents containing PFAS in portable fire extinguishers still permitted - transition period for complete market switchover to fluorine-free systems
Until max. 2035: certain high-risk applications remain permitted on a transitional basis, including Seveso III operations, petrochemical plants and certain offshore and marine applications - unless it can be demonstrated that an equivalent fluorine-free alternative is available
Planned general ban on PFAS
A blanket EU-wide ban on PFAS for all applications does not yet exist. The timing and scope are open. The following applies to operators: Only the specific individual and sector bans that have been decided are decisive.
The EU is pursuing a clear, irreversible phase-out path for PFAS in fire protection. PFHxA (C6) will be regulated earlier and in a targeted manner - for civil airports, for example. The sectoral PFAS foam ban has been decided. Fluorine-free fire extinguishing systems are the regulatory target standard.
In the pursuit of a sustainable future and responsible behaviour, the Pastor Group has positioned itself as a pioneer in environmentally friendly fire protection solutions. Our endeavours extend not only to reducing the ecological footprint of our production, but also to the development of pioneering products such as fluorine-free fire extinguishers.
Our fire extinguishers are based on state-of-the-art technology that enables fast and efficient firefighting. We rely on highly developed formulas that not only fulfil the requirements of safety standards, but also ensure optimum performance.
The areas of application for fluorine-free fire extinguishers are diverse and range from residential buildings and offices to industrial and commercial facilities. Our products have been developed to ensure reliable firefighting in various environments.
The development of fluorine-free fire extinguishers is a milestone in the evolution of fire extinguishing technology. As a manufacturer, we are continuously committed to research and innovation in order to further increase the efficiency of our products while minimising their environmental impact.
As advocates of state-of-the-art fire protection technology, we are convinced that fluorine-free fire extinguishers not only protect safety, but also the environment. By consciously choosing these innovative solutions, together we can create a safer and more sustainable future. Protect what's important to you with fire extinguishers that are state of the art and environmentally friendly.
Our philosophy is based on the conscious use of natural resources. We set standards by minimising paper consumption, energy-saving production and the targeted reduction of packaging materials. These standards are also reflected in our product range, particularly in the development of fluorine-free fire extinguishers, which not only fulfil fire protection requirements but also focus on environmental compatibility.
The development of our fluorine-free fire extinguishers is based on the most advanced technology. Through innovative solutions, we not only achieve a high extinguishing performance, but also minimise the environmental impact. Our focus is on sustainable, environmentally friendly technology that increases the efficiency of firefighting.
As a pioneer in sustainability, we proudly present our Green series of fire extinguishers. This series is being continuously developed and offers our customers a wide range of environmentally friendly alternatives for firefighting. Our fluorine-free foam, water and grease fire extinguishers from this series are completely free of fluorosurfactants (PFAS) and other potentially harmful substances.
In line with our commitment to a sustainable future, we are facing the challenge of perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). Our Green range aims to eliminate the fluorine content in our products and thus contribute to tackling this global environmental issue.
The issue of fluorinated foam extinguishing agents is a significant challenge that we are proactively addressing with our Green series. Pastor sets an example for environmentally friendly firefighting and encourages people to support the move towards alternative, fluorine-free solutions. Protecting people and the environment is at the centre of our mission and we invite you to join us in shaping the future of fire safety.
Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS for short) form a family of thousands of organic fluorine compounds that are found in many everyday products and are used in their manufacture or application. PFAS are therefore widely used. Some of the PFAS-containing substances are suspected of being at least a cause for concern. PFAS form the basis for many fire extinguishing foams used for liquid and liquidising substances (fire class B) in fire protection, prevention and plant engineering. The added fluorosurfactants significantly increase the extinguishing properties of the extinguishing foam. The molecular composition of the substance is relevant here.
The longer the fluorinated chain compound is, the higher the concentration of halogenated fluorine usually is. For some time now, the substance PFHxA (a substance within the PFAS family) has established itself as the "state of the art" for many extinguishing foams, especially for fire extinguishers.
In the case of the substance PFHxA, we are talking about a C6 chemistry, i.e. a molecular chain composition of six fluorinated compounds. The term PFAS is internationally recognised. The term PFC/PFT (perfluorinated chemicals/perfluorinated surfactants) may still be familiar from older discussions. International experts have agreed on the term PFAS.
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is preparing a ban on all PFAS substances, as certain members of this group of substances are classified as substances of very high concern. Some PFAS compounds are known to be persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBTs), while others are considered to be of very high concern.
The outstanding property of PFAS is their persistence, which means that they degrade very slowly or not at all in nature. For this reason, they are often referred to as "eternal chemicals" and can remain in the environment for long periods of time. The continued release of PFAS into the environment leads to increasing concentrations and can lead to health problems and diseases in humans, as numerous studies have shown.
Another problem is the mobility and potential for long range transport (LRTP) of PFAS. These compounds can spread over long distances in soil, water, groundwater and even in the atmosphere. They can enter the food chain via animals, plants and drinking water and are only broken down slowly in the human body.
Due to the decades-long release of PFAS into the environment, they are already an integral part of the natural cycle, as shown by studies demonstrating high PFAS concentrations in rain worldwide. In view of these far-reaching problems, ECHA is planning to ban all PFAS substances to protect the environment and human health from the harmful effects of these persistent and widespread chemicals.
The work of the Scientific Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) on the legal requirements of a ban began in 2023.
The final opinion of the RAC/SEAC is still pending, which represents a significant challenge due to the complexity and scope of the restriction proposal. Once this work has been completed, publication at EU level is expected to take place in mid/end 2024. The member states will then have to adopt the law.
The ban entails gradual requirements. These differ depending on the risk classification; for example, the fluorine transformation in normal trade or industry provides for relatively short transition periods, while significantly longer periods prevail in disruptive operations or for fire brigades. For fire extinguishers, the period is generally 5 years from the date the regulation comes into force. The regulation is complex and dynamic. If you have any questions or require general information, you can fill out and send the contact form provided (with your question) at any time or send your enquiry directly by email to Fluorine.consulting@pastor-group.de send.
The law stipulates requirements shortly after it comes into force. The conversion of fire extinguishers to fluorine-free foam extinguishing agents is possible for cartridge extinguishers under certain conditions.
We would like to point out that even small amounts of fluorine can lead to the legal limits being exceeded. The operator may be required to provide evidence. It is recommended that any retrofitting is carefully checked for feasibility, legal certainty and hidden costs.
The extinguishing agent must be conceptually adapted to the general conditions, the environment and the parameters to be extinguished as part of a risk assessment. Fluorine-free foam extinguishing agents are only one possible option. If the fire risks permit, other extinguishing agents may be appropriate:
Well-known manufacturers are already labelling products containing PFAS. In case of doubt, the manufacturer/distributor should be asked to label substances containing PFAS.
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has announced that it is preparing a ban on the use of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams. The ban is part of a broader effort by the European Union to reduce the use of hazardous substances and promote the transition to safer and more sustainable alternatives.
This ban affects preventive fire protection, fire protection systems and fire defence. The topic is multi-layered and complex.
There are many questions to be answered.
Simply contact us by completing the questionnaire below.
Our team of experts is available to answer your questions and inform you of the implications of this important regulatory change. We are here to help you comply with the regulations and support you in your transition to PFAS-free alternatives.
Safety meets sustainability! Discover our fluorine-free fire extinguishers - for a safe and environmentally friendly future!
