About the Phosphate Ester Flame Retardant Consoritum

History

Established in 2002 the Phosphate Ester Flame Retardant Consortium (Pefrc) brings together manufacturers and users of phosphate ester flame retardants, and aims to provide a global scientific knowledge centre concerning the family of specialty chemicals: phosphate ester flame retardants.

Phosphate esters have been used for more than fifty years and have a number of applications including use as flame retardants and plasticizers. Over twenty chemicals of this family are currently marketed as flame retardants where they are used to improve the fire safety of a wide range of materials from plastics to cables. The range of chemicals available allows specific solutions to be developed for different materials and applications – Caring for life and property.

Phosphate Ester Flame Retardants

Over the past years phosphate ester flame retardants have proved critical materials in reducing death and injury through fire related accidents, saving the lives of thousands of people, and demonstrating the efficiency and value of their use in flame retarding many of the products which are now used in everyday life.

With such a variety of uses it is important to continually develop knowledge concerning their properties and use.

Pefrc Mission

Pefrc’s mission is to focus on the global support and promotion of phosphate ester flame retardants through advocacy, scientific programs and education by:

• Promoting and supporting the benefits of fire safety
• Proactively developing and implementing a global message and data base
• Working with key stakeholders, opinion leaders and decision makers to establish and promote two way communications

To achieve this it will work closely with associated industry groups, regulatory authorities, stakeholders and other interested groups to identify issues arising and sponsor independent scientific research to fill information gaps.

Membership

Pefrc membership is open to any company directly engaged in the manufacture of phosphate ester flame retardants or any non manufacturer of phosphate ester flame retardants with an involvement in the sale or use of phosphate ester flame retardants.

The objectives and activities of Pefrc will at all times abide by national and other applicable rules governing its activities, and in particular Pefrc shall abide by all applicable antitrust rules and regulations.

Pefrc is based in Washington with a European office in Brussels.