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FireSafe is an innovative, majority bio-based, non-toxic fire-retardant solution that offers strong fire protection without relying on harmful chemicals commonly used in conventional FR systems. Developed within Aalto University’s Research to Business (R2B) programme and funded by Business Finland, FireSafe provides a safer alternative for coatings used in wood interiors, insulation, and acoustic elements - supporting modern, safe and sustainable construction.
FireSafe can be used both as a ready-to-use coating for interior applications and as a drop-in additive to replace harmful fire-retardant chemicals and/or enhance fire-retardant performance in existing coating systems. It is designed for seamless integration into existing industrial processes, enabling straightforward and scalable adoption over the long term.
Our goal is simple: to save lives without compromising human health or the environment, because fire safety should never come at the cost of our well-being or the planet.
Why FireSafe?
Wood is increasingly chosen in modern construction for its low carbon footprint, natural aesthetics, and sustainability benefits. However, ensuring fire safety without compromising health or the environment remains a major challenge.
Many conventional fire-retardant systems still rely on substances of very high concern (SVHCs), including melamine derivatives and halogenated compounds. These chemicals raise growing concerns related to human health, environmental impact, and long-term regulatory risk. Across the EU, fire-retardant chemistries are facing intensifying regulatory scrutiny. Several widely used substances are being reviewed or phased out, creating uncertainty for manufacturers and accelerating demand for safer alternatives.
FireSafe is designed to meet this moment. It offers a non-toxic, bio-based, high-performance fire-retardant technology that delivers strong fire protection while aligning with tightening EU chemical safety regulations and sustainability goals.
FireSafe enables safer buildings today - and a more resilient, future-proof approach to fire protection tomorrow.
When exposed to fire, the FireSafe coating swells to form a protective, char-like layer that insulates the surface, blocks heat and slows the spread of fire.
This process, known as intumescence, is considered the gold standard in fire protection. Traditionally, it relies on fossil-based and often harmful chemicals. FireSafe delivers the same high-level protection using safe, bio-based ingredients.
In our tests, FireSafe extended evacuation time by up to five times compared to conventional fossil-based fire-retardant solutions.
When exposed to fire, the FireSafe coating swells to form a protective, char-like layer that insulates the surface, blocks heat and slows the spread of fire.
This process, known as intumescence, is considered the gold standard in fire protection. Traditionally, it relies on fossil-based and often harmful chemicals. FireSafe delivers the same high-level protection using safe, bio-based ingredients.
In our tests, FireSafe extended evacuation time by up to five times compared to conventional fossil-based fire-retardant solutions.
Our technology has demonstrated significant ignition delay - up to six minutes in tests - far exceeding performance of many conventional solutions while using only safe, majority bio-based ingredients. This breakthrough enables safer interiors, enhances evacuation time, and supports wider adoption of sustainable wood in construction.
Facts
Toxic fire retardants are being phased out
Many traditional fire retardant chemistries rely on problematic substances that are being restricted in the European Union. Industries urgently need safe alternatives that meet both fire-performance and environmental standards.
Wood construction is growing
As wood replaces concrete and steel in low-carbon building strategies, demand for safe fire-retardant coatings increases.
Indoor air quality cannot be compromised
FireSafe is designed for M1-level emissions performance, ensuring no harmful off-gassing during normal indoor use - critical for schools, offices, and residential applications.
Effective fire protection is essential
FireSafe is developed to achieve Euroclass B-s1,d0 fire performance, a commonly required fire safety standard for wood and many other building materials.
Climate targets require bio-based solutions
FireSafe’s renewable, low-CO₂ formulation supports sustainable-construction goals throughout the value chain.
Public spaces built with wood are meant to be not only visually stunning and enjoyable to spend time in, but also safe. FireSafe is designed to preserve the natural beauty of wood while remaining safe for people and the environment. In the event of a fire, it delivers highly effective protection -significantly extending evacuation time and helping people reach safety.
What FireSafe offers & its benefits
A predominantly bio-based fire-retardant system leveraging plant-derived and natural polymers.
Significant ignition delay and strong intumescent behaviour, tested against conventional FR systems.
- SVHC-free
- Melamine-free
- Halogen-free
- Water-based
- Designed for low VOC and ammonia emissions
Effective across:
- Wood coatings
- Insulation
- Acoustic materials
- Potential in textiles and metals
Usable as:
- A ready coating
- A drop-in additive for primers or one-layer fire retardant systems
Concept development
FireSafe has undergone laboratory development and initial fire-testing, including:
- Ignition-delay trials
- Coating integration with industrial binders
- Air-quality pre-tests
- Weathering studies (for exterior variants)
Pilots with Finnish coating and wood-cladding manufacturers begin in Q1/2026, where FireSafe will be evaluated both as an additive and as a standalone fire retardant coating system.
Traction & Current Status
- Patent application filed (2024)
- Statements of Interest from industry
- Pilots secured for Q1/2026 with coating and cladding manufacturers
- SBI fire testing programme underway
- Indoor air-quality evaluation (M1-related) ongoing
FireSafe is currently at prototype / pilot readiness and progressing toward commercial validation.
We Are Looking for Collaborators and Pilot Partners
- Wood-cladding and panel manufacturers
- Paint & coating manufacturers
- Acoustic-panel producers
- Insulation companies
- Investors & commercialization partners
Team
Olesia Vinterberg
Khan Mohammad Ahsan Uddin
Juha Lipponen
Soile Auvinen
Maryam Afzal
Contact
Olesia Vinterberg
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