ASFP launches new membership category for producers of components and materials

                ASFP launches new membership category for producers of components and materials

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), the leading trade body for passive fire protection, is pleased to announce the introduction of a new membership category. This group is dedicated to organisations that produce components and materials used by ASFP member companies in the manufacture of finished products.

The expansion reflects the ASFP’s ongoing commitment to improving standards, quality, and performance across the passive fire protection sector. This new membership category will provide a platform for collaboration and innovation, leveraging the expertise of these producers to benefit the entire industry.

Examples of eligible members include:

•  Manufacturers of chemicals used in intumescent and cementitious coatings
• Producers of woven fabrics and coatings applied to said fabrics
• Developers of fire-resistant compounds used in fire-resistant boards
• Manufacturers of chemicals for fire-resistant mastics or intumescent compounds
• Suppliers of components for fire doors, glazing, shutters, and curtains, such as smoke seals and mechanical or electrical elements.

Commenting on the introduction of this new category, ASFP Managing Director Mike Ward stated:

“This is an exciting opportunity to engage with a significant part of the industry that supplies to ASFP product and system manufacturing members. The passive fire sector and wider stakeholders can benefit from the skills, knowledge, and experience these organisations bring.

“Feedback from ASFP members, as well as the design and construction sectors, will be invaluable to this new member group in return. Together, we can further enhance the quality and performance of passive fire products and systems.

“Beyond this, the ASFP is beginning the vital process of exploring how passive fire products can be made greener. We are looking at ways to reduce landfill waste during decommissioning and to improve the re- use of passive fire materials – an undeniably complex challenge given the critical performance these materials are designed to achieve.”

Component and material producer members will be encouraged to participate in relevant ASFP technical groups, events, and meetings. Beyond their focus on quality and performance, these members will play a key role in tackling future challenges, such as developing sustainable practices for the disposal and reuse of passive fire materials at the end of their lifecycle.