New Association Formed to Advance Non-halogenated Flame Retardant Solutions in North America

CALIFON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pinfa-NA (Phosphorus, Inorganic and Nitrogen Flame Retardants Association -North America) announced it has officially launched in Califon, NJ. The organization 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 (www.pinfa.org), a Sector Group of Cefic (the European Chemical Industry Council).

“Together with Clariant and FRX Polymers, we are proud to be founding members of Pinfa-NA.”

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 halogen free phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N) and inorganic compound (metal ions, hydroxides)
• Sponsor and participate in conferences/workshops on flame retardants and end uses
• Monitor and work with industry and regulatory organizations

Halogenated flame retardants pose risk factors which has 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 OEM’s manufacturers have since instituted voluntary bans on the use of bromine- and chlorine-based materials in their products.

“The establishment of Pinf-NA is a natural and necessary progression of our work to provide a forum for phosphorus, nitrogen and inorganic flame retardant additive users and manufacturers.” said Dr. Michael Klimes, Chairman of Pinfa and Director of Nabaltec AG. “Together with Clariant and FRX Polymers, we are proud to be founding members of Pinfa-NA.”

Mr. Marc Lebel, Chairman of Pinfa-NA and CEO of FRX Polymers, Inc., noted that “Pinfa-NA will serve as the organization’s North American platform to advance the use of environmentally friendly flame retardants, as the focus for greener consumer and industrial products advance. We’re excited about this endeavor and have already planned a one-day conference co-sponsored by the HDP User Group to discuss green electronics requirements for flame retardants.”

Pinfa-NA has already garnered a great group of members from the industry including Clariant Additives, FRX Polymers, Inc., Nabaltec, J.M.Huber Corporation, PolyOne Corporation, Network Polymers, Inc. and Applied Minerals, Inc.

About Pinfa-NA (www.pinfa-na.org)

Pinfa-NA (Phosphorus, Inorganic and Nitrogen Flame Retardants Association -North America) is a non-profit trade organization that brings together manufacturers of flame retardants plastics, major end users and regulatory organizations for the advancement of green FR technologies. The organization supports fire safety through innovative, reliable and sustainable fire performance solutions, using products based on halogen free phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N) and inorganic compound (metal ions, hydroxid). Pinfa-NA is the North American sister group of Pinfa (www.pinfa.org), a Sector Group of Cefic (the European Chemical Industry Council).

For more information on membership in Pinfa- North America,please visit www.pinfa-na.org or e-mail: [e-mail]