BioFire supplies a 100 % biobased, biodegradable flame‑retardant polymer derived from bacterial extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that can be added as a drop‑in additive to thermoplastic composites and coating formulations. The EPS matrix provides dual flame‑retardant action—high‑char formation and non‑toxic gas release—enabling effective fire protection at 15–30 wt % loading while preserving mechanical properties and processing efficiency.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Current fire‑safety formulations rely heavily on mineral fillers and halogen‑based flame retardants, which require high loadings, complicate processing, increase material cost, and pose environmental and end‑of‑life concerns. Tightening regulations further pressure manufacturers to adopt safer, more sustainable solutions without sacrificing performance.
Solution
BioFire provides a fully biobased, biodegradable flame‑retardant polymer derived from bacterial extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The EPS matrix combines proteins, polysaccharides, and inorganic fractions to deliver a dual action: condensed‑phase char formation that shields the substrate and gas‑phase dilution through the release of non‑toxic gases that locally reduce oxygen availability. Formulated as a drop‑in additive, it can be incorporated directly into thermoplastic composites or coating formulations at lower loadings (typically 15–30 wt %) while meeting stringent fire‑safety standards. The production process upcycles an abundant microbial waste stream, offering a renewable alternative that aligns with circular‑economy goals and regulatory compliance.
Target Audience
Primary customers are composite manufacturers and coatings formulators seeking sustainable, high‑performance flame‑retardant solutions for polymers, laminates, and surface‑treated products.
Features
- 100 % biobased polymer sourced from bacterial EPS, eliminating halogen and mineral filler content
- Biodegradable and non‑toxic, supporting end‑of‑life recyclability and reduced environmental impact
- Dual flame‑retardant mechanism: high‑char yield for condensed‑phase protection and gas‑phase dilution to suppress flame propagation
- Effective at lower loadings (15–30 wt %) compared with conventional mineral systems (30–60 wt %), preserving mechanical properties and processing efficiency
- Drop‑in compatibility with existing composite extrusion, injection molding, and coating application lines, requiring no equipment modifications
- Acts as a natural binder, enhancing dispersion and adhesion within polymer matrices
- Scalable biotech production using waste microbial streams, providing a cost‑competitive and renewable supply chain