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Lignosulfonates for High-Performance Fire Retardants

Fire-retardant systems are under increasing pressure to deliver more: stronger performance, lower environmental impact and compliance with stricter regulations. Bio-based chemistry can reinvent fire protection and meet evolving market needs. 

Borregaard lignosulfonates enable this shift by enhancing flame retardancy while supporting sustainable, halogen-free formulations.

EXCELLENT CHAR FORMATION

Creates a stable protective layer that reduces heat release and slows flame spread.

ENHANCED FIRE RESISTANCE

Improves thermal shielding and overall system performance for more effective flame control.

REDUCED SMOKE & HEAT RELEASE

Contributes to safer fire behaviour by lowering heat output and minimising smoke development. 

Why rethink flame retardants?

Modern fire-retardant systems must balance multiple demands:

  • Stricter fire safety regulations
  • Pressure to eliminate halogens
  • Reduced smoke and toxicity requirements
  • Sustainability targets across value chains

Many current solutions struggle to deliver on all fronts simultaneously. 
The opportunity lies in multifunctional additives that contribute both to fire performance and environmental goals. 

Derived from sustainably sourced wood, lignosulfonates bring unique chemical functionality to flame-retardant systems.

The science behind lignosulfonates in fire retardancy

Their key contribution lies in their ability to promote char formation, stabilise material structure under heat, and enhance thermal shielding. This creates a protective barrier that slows heat transfer and reduces flame propagation.

Lignosulfonates are not just passive ingredients, they are performance-enhancing tools. With Borregaard’s expertise, they can be:

  • Tailored to specific applications
  • Optimised for compatibility and efficiency
  • Integrated seamlessly into advanced flame-retardant systems

This enables formulators to achieve more, with less complexity and improved sustainability.

Enhanced Fire Performance

  • Promotes excellent char formation, creating a stable insulating layer
  • Reduces flame spread and heat release
  • Improves overall thermal resistance

Synergy with Modern Systems

  • Works effectively with non-halogenated systems, including ammonium polyphosphates (APP)
  • Enhances efficiency of existing flame-retardant formulations
  • Enables lower additive loadings

Sustainability Without Compromise

  • Bio-based material from sustainable sourced wood
  • Enables halogen-free formulations
  • Contributes to improved environmental and regulatory profiles

Improved Fire Safety Profile

  • Helps reduce smoke development
  • Contributes to lower heat release rates
  • Delivers safer end-use applications

Let’s discuss your flame retardants 

Derived from sustainably sourced wood, lignosulfonates combine bio-based origin with functional performance, helping meet both regulatory and sustainability targets without compromising fire protection.

With deep knowledge of lignin chemistry, Borregaard helps tailor lignosulfonates for specific systems, delivering reliable, high-performance fire-retardant solutions.

Contact us to explore how lignosulfonates can strengthen your flame-retardant formulations: