Consult CPK, a trusted partner in health & safety and fire safety and compliance, welcomes the UK government’s commitment to phase out Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) from firefighting foams. This decisive move, with the full PFOA ban that came into force on 4 July 2025, marks another significant step toward eliminating persistent organic pollutants that threaten both environmental and human health.
Concerns surrounding these chemicals first arose in 2014, prompting the removal of PFOS from foam fire extinguishers more than a decade ago and a near-total phase-out of PFOA shortly after. While the 2025 regulation formalises this change, its practical impact on most existing equipment will be minimal — as these substances have long since disappeared from mainstream fire extinguishing products.
However, this announcement has sparked uncertainty across parts of the industry, with some organisations mistakenly withdrawing current PFAS-based or fluorine foam extinguishers prematurely. Consult CPK aims to provide clarity: there is no requirement to remove or replace these units yet.
Further regulation targeting all PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) in firefighting foams is anticipated, but not expected to be ratified until 2026, with a full phase-out likely around 2030–2031.
Understanding the Industry Impact
The ongoing legislative evolution will eventually require a complete transition to fluorine-free firefighting solutions. While there are currently no legal restrictions on C6 fluorotelomer-based foams, future bans on PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS above specific thresholds are forthcoming.
The Fire Industry Association (FIA) advises organisations should begin exploring environmentally responsible alternatives now to stay ahead of compliance changes and demonstrate proactive sustainability leadership.
At Consult CPK, we believe the industry must embrace this change strategically — balancing safety, performance, and environmental responsibility.
Consult CPK’s Commitment: Firexo and the Future of Firefighting
Consult CPK proudly partners with Firexo, a pioneering brand delivering PFOA and PFAS free, all-class fire extinguishers that represent the next generation of fire safety. Firexo extinguishers are non-toxic, biodegradable, and highly effective across multiple fire types.
Firexo extinguishers are effective against:
- Class A – Flammable solids (e.g. paper, wood, textiles)
- Class B – Flammable liquids (e.g. petrol, diesel, paint)
- Class C – Flammable gases (e.g. propane, butane, methane)
- Class D – Combustible metals (e.g. magnesium, aluminium)
Electrical Fires – Involving live electrical equipment - Class F – Cooking oils and fats
Lithium-ion Battery Fires – Including devices like phones and e-bikes
This removes the need for multiple extinguisher types and simplifying both compliance and maintenance.
By adopting Firexo’s innovative technology, you can:
- Eliminate PFOA and PFAS concerns entirely, aligning with current and future regulations.
- Reduce environmental impact, thanks to fully biodegradable extinguishing agents.
- Simplify fire protection strategies, with one extinguisher suitable for multiple fire classes.
- Ensure future-proof compliance, without sacrificing safety or performance.
This transition is not just about compliance — it’s about future readiness and environmental stewardship.
Planning for a Greener, Safer Tomorrow
With Firexo and Consult CPK, businesses can confidently prepare for a PFAS-free future — ensuring compliance, sustainability, and uncompromising fire safety performance.
