ATLANTA – Huber Engineered Materials, a division of J.M. Huber Corp., announced its participation in Pinfa-NA (Phosphorus, Inorganic and Nitrogen Flame Retardants Association-North America). Based in Califon, NJ, Pinfa-NA was formed by leaders in the flame-retardant industry that focus on non-halogen solutions and materials. Pinfa-NA is a sister organization of Pinfa, a sector group of Cefic (The European Chemical Industry Council).

The group’s primary focus is to: advance environmentally friendly non-halogenated flame retardant solutions in North America; bring together manufacturers and users of major flame retardant technologies; support fire safety through innovative, reliable and sustainable fire performance solutions using products based on non-halogen phosphorus, nitrogen and inorganic compounds; sponsor and participate in conferences and workshops on flame retardants and end uses; and monitor and work with industry and regulatory organizations.

Halogenated flame retardants pose risk factors that have compelled industry and government regulators to consider non-halogen alternatives. For example, in 2006 the European Union banned the use of certain halogenated flame retardants due to environmental and health concerns. Consumer electronic original equipment manufacturers have since instituted voluntary bans on the use of bromine- and chlorine-based materials in their products.

In addition to Huber, Pinfa-NA has already garnered a group of members from the industry, including Clariant Additives, FRX Polymers Inc., Nabaltec, PolyOne Corp., Network Polymers Inc. and Applied Minerals Inc.