FIREFIGHTING FOAM MARKET ANALYSIS

The global Firefighting Foam Market size is projected to reach US$ 10.91 billion by 2030, from US$ 7.31 billion in 2023, at a CAGR of 5.9% during the 2023-2030 period. The growth of the market is primarily driven by the increasing demand for firefighting foams in the oil & gas, manufacturing, and transportation industries. Additionally, rising concerns about environmental safety and the increasing adoption of green firefighting foams are also driving the growth of the market.

Firefighting Foam Market Regional Insights

• North America: The firefighting foam market is expected to dominate the global market during the forecast period. This is attributed to the presence of a large number of end-users in the region, such as the oil & gas, manufacturing, and utilities industries. Additionally, the stringent regulations regarding fire safety in the region is also driving the growth of the market. It holds 35% market share.
• Europe: The European firefighting foam market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period. This is attributed to the increasing demand for firefighting foams in the manufacturing, oil & gas, and utilities industries. Additionally, the rising concerns about fire safety in commercial and residential buildings is also driving the growth of the market. It holds 25% market share.
• Asia Pacific: The Asia Pacific firefighting foam market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period. This is attributed to the growing demand for firefighting foams in the oil & gas, manufacturing, and utilities industries in countries such as China, India, and Japan. Additionally, the rising concerns about fire safety in commercial and residential buildings is also driving the growth of the market. It holds 20% market share.

Figure 1. Global Firefighting Foam Market Share (%), by Region, 2023

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Firefighting Foam Market Drivers

• Increasing Industrialization: The establishment of more industries, warehouses, and factories can increase the risk of fire incidents. This propels the need for advanced firefighting measures, including firefighting foams. For instance, in 2020, according to the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), the increasing establishment of industries, warehouses, and factories can lead to a higher concentration of such fire hazards, thereby elevating the overall risk of fire incidents.
• Rise in Urbanization: As urban areas grow, there is an increase in infrastructure, transportation systems, and other critical sectors. These developments demand enhanced firefighting capabilities.
• Higher Safety Standards: Governments and industrial bodies are continuously updating and tightening safety regulations and standards. The adoption of these standards requires organizations to have efficient firefighting systems in place.
• Awareness of Fire Safety: With increasing awareness about fire safety among businesses and the general population, there is an augmented demand for advanced firefighting products.

Firefighting Foam Market Opportunities

• Eco-friendly Formulations: Given the environmental concerns associated with traditional firefighting foams, there's a significant opportunity to develop and market environmentally-friendly foam formulations that degrade quickly without harming ecosystems. For instance, as per the Environmental Management of Firefighting Foam Policy clarifies the requirements and provides guidance on the use and management of firefighting foams, considering both short-term and long-term risks.
• Emerging Markets: Developing economies are witnessing rapid industrialization and urbanization. These regions offer immense opportunities for market expansion due to increasing infrastructure, industrial activities, and urban developments.
• Advanced Dispensing Systems: Innovations in foam dispensing systems, such as drones for delivering firefighting foam in hard-to-reach areas or sophisticated nozzle designs, can create opportunities in the market.
• Customized Solutions: Different industries or sectors (aviation, petrochemical, marine, etc.) have specific firefighting needs. Tailored foam solutions for these sectors can open up niche markets.

Firefighting Foam Market Trends

• Shift to Environmentally Friendly Foams: With increases environmental concerns, especially regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that is found in many firefighting foams, there is a noticeable shift towards more eco-friendly formulations. PFAS compounds are persistent and can contaminate water sources, leading to a push for alternatives. For instance, in May 2023, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) for fighting liquid fuel fires since the 1970s. However, PFAS are linked to harmful effects on humans and animals, and they do not degrade naturally in the environment.  In response to the negative impacts of PFAS, the Department of Defense has issued a new performance specification for firefighting foams used by the military, requiring them to be PFAS-free.
• Technological Advancements: Improved formulations are being developed to offer better fire suppression capabilities, greater ease of use, and a reduced environmental footprint.
• Increased Use in Aviation and Marine Sectors: The rise in global trade and travel means that fire safety in transportation hubs like airports and seaports is paramount. The specific nature of potential fires in these sectors (like fuel fires) has made firefighting foams a crucial safety measure. For instance, in May 2023, As per the Federal Aviation Administration is actively involved in this transition, and it has urged U.S. airports to limit the use of firefighting foam with PFAS due to the associated risks. The Port of Seattle Fire Department, for example, has been on a five-year journey to find the safest and most efficient aircraft firefighting foam replacement, and it is expecting U.S. airports to soon have the opportunity to select from a list of approved fluorine-free foam products.
• Regulatory Changes and Compliance: Regulatory bodies worldwide are tightening the rules concerning firefighting foam compositions, especially concerning harmful chemicals. Companies are innovating to ensure their products comply with these evolving regulations.

Firefighting Foam Market Restraints

• Environmental Concerns: Some firefighting foams, especially those containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have been linked to environmental pollution, as they are persistent and can contaminate water sources. This has led to increased scrutiny and, in some cases, restrictions or bans on their use.
• Stringent Regulations: As a response to the environmental and health concerns associated with certain firefighting foams, regulatory bodies in many countries have introduced stringent rules, affecting the production and use of such foams.
• High Costs: The development, testing, and production of newer, environmentally-friendly firefighting foams can be capital-intensive. This might lead to higher prices, potentially limiting adoption, especially in cost-sensitive markets.
• Alternatives to Foam: The development and adoption of alternative firefighting agents or technologies that do not rely on foam can pose a restraint to the market's growth.

Counterbalance: Firefighting foams, particularly those containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are known for their environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential health risks.

Analyst view:

The global firefighting foam market is expected to grow steadily over the next decade. The market is primarily driven by stringent fire safety regulations across major industries and commercial spaces. The rising instances of fire accidents in oil and gas, aviation, and chemical industries will also fuel the demand for high-performance firefighting foams. Another key growth driver is the increasing construction of airports and expansion of existing ones. Since foam-based fire suppression systems are mandatory in airport facilities, this will generate substantial opportunities. However, environmental and health concerns related to fluorinated foam could act as a key restraint. Many countries and regions have imposed restrictions or bans on the use of fluorinated foams. Transitioning to fluorine-free alternatives poses technical and performance challenges. The high costs of fluorine-free foams compared to conventional varieties may also limit their adoption. On the positive side, continued research and development in green chemistry is expected to lead to more viable fluorine-free foams with comparable firefighting capabilities.

The Asia Pacific region, led by China and India, is projected to dominate the global market owing to rapid urbanization and industrialization. North America and Europe will likely remain other lucrative markets driven by stringent norms and massive infrastructure investments. The Middle East & Africa are oised to emerge as the fastest-growing regional market due to extensive oil & gas operations and megaprojects across GCC nations.

Recent Developments

New product launches

• 3M™ Novec™ 1230 Fire Protection Fluid: This new firefighting fluid is a clean agent that is non-toxic, non-conductive, and leaves no residue. It is effective in extinguishing a wide range of fires, including Class A, B, C, and K fires.
• Fike Fire Foam Systems Green Guard AFFF: This new AFFF foam is made with a bio-based surfactant that is biodegradable and non-toxic. It is effective in extinguishing Class A and B fires, and it is also effective in suppressing Class E fires.
• Amerex Ultra Class AFFF: This new AFFF foam is made with a new generation of surfactant that is more effective in extinguishing Class A fires. It is also more tolerant of water contamination than previous generations of AFFF foams.

Acquisition and partnerships

• In 2021, Chemguard acquired Firetrex, a leading manufacturer of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) for the oil and gas industry. Chemguard develops and produces fire suppression foams, equipment, and systems, specialty foam pumps. This acquisition gave Chemguard a strong foothold in the AFFF market and expanded its product portfolio.
• In 2022, National Foam acquired FoamPro, a leading manufacturer of AR-AFFF and protein foam for the fire protection industry. National Foam is a leading manufacturer of foam concentrate, foam proportioning systems, fixed and portable foam fire fighting equipment. This acquisition gave National Foam a wider range of foam products and expanded its customer base.
• In 2023, Fire Resistant Technologies (FRT) acquired Fireboy Foam, a leading manufacturer of firefighting foams for the aviation industry. This acquisition gave FRT a strong presence in the aviation market and expanded its product portfolio.

Figure 2. Global Firefighting Foam Market Share (%), by Foam type, 2023

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Top companies in Firefighting Foam Market

• Johnson Controls (including ANSUL)
• Solberg (a division of Amerex Corporation)
• Sthamer
• National Foam (a part of Kidde-Fenwal, Inc.)
• Eau&Feu
• Dafo Fomtec AB
• ICL Performance Products
• KV Fire Chemicals
• Auxquimia
• Angus Fire

Definition: Firefighting foam is a fire suppression agent used in combating flammable liquid fires. It works by creating a cooling, smothering, and vapor-suppressing blanket over the fuel, preventing its contact with oxygen, thereby suppressing combustion. The firefighting foam market refers to the industry involved in the production, distribution, and sale of these foam concentrates and related equipment.