Clariant Launches Melamine-free Flame Retardant for Intumescent Coatings

Clariant launched it’s next-generation melamine-free flame retardant, a safer and forward-thinking solution that provides superior fire resistance and meets the stringent demands of modern industries.

In 2023, melamine was classified as a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) making Exolit AP 422 A a valuable asset for the firestop industry, enabling the creation of coating and sealant products that maintain high performance standards without relying on melamine.

In anticipation of the current and future regulatory challenges around melamine, Clariant has been proactively working on this innovative solution for several years, developing an SVHC-free alternative to the existing melamine-containing Exolit AP 422 flame retardant.

“Exolit AP 422 A upholds the trusted reliability that Exolit products are recognized for in the market and ensures that our clients’ fire protection offerings remain competitive, particularly in terms of chemical compliance. It allows manufacturers to adapt to evolving legislation while preserving the effectiveness of their fire safety solutions,” said Sebastian Moschel, Clariant’s Technical Business Development Manager Passive Fire Protection.

The new Exolit AP 422 A addresses the concerns surrounding melamine as a Substance of Very High Concern at the same time as providing superior fire resistance across multiple applications including intumescent coatings, firestop sealing systems, and PIR insulation panels. Its non-halogenated nature helps minimize hazardous emissions, providing safer usage in critical industries.

“Exolit AP 422 A responds to key market trends around tightening fire safety standards, environmental and health concerns, regulatory compliance needs, operational efficiency demands, and the need for versatile solutions across many applications,” added Clariant’s Global Business Development Manager Polymer Solutions, Christian Battenberg.

Customers that have already incorporated Exolit AP 422 A into their firestop products describe the new melamine-free flame retardant as a game changer as it provides reliable fire protection performance at the same time as aligning with sustainability commitments. One client commented on their new competitive edge in the market, by being able to offer safer, more environmentally friendly solutions to customers.

Flame retardants are found in many applications around us, including electronic devices; transportation systems and buildings. As e-mobility expands, they provide safer protection for everything from charging points to circuit breakers. With evolving chemical regulations like REACH, Exolit AP 422 A provides manufacturers a future-proof solution to create more sustainable, superior and fully compliant flame-retardant formulations, ensuring reliability and trust.


[1] according to Article 31 of the REACH Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006)