Hempel’s coatings are protecting several major steel structures worldwide.
Hempel grows; its PFP coating is EN certified
01 December 2022
Global coatings manufacturer Hempel has announced that its Hempafire Pro 400 passive fire-protection coating has been certified according to the EN13381-8 standard and granted the CE mark, complementing the already existing BS-476 and ApplusFire certifications.
Hempafire Pro 400 maintains the stability of steel structures in the event of a cellulosic fire for up to 120 minutes and brings users a number of efficiency benefits, according to the company.
Passive fire protection (PFP) coatings insulate steel against high heat, which extends the steel’s load-bearing capacity if a fire breaks out, giving valuable extra time for evacuation and emergency response.
“Hempafire Pro 400 has been optimised to provide cellulosic fire protection for 90 and 120 minutes and is fully compatible with Hempafire Pro 315, which is optimised for 30- and 60-minute fire durations. Now, both products are third-party certified according to EN 13381-8/9 and BS-476 20/21 and available in Europe, Africa, Middle East, South and East Asia and Central America. For both products, third-party verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) are available,” says Roger Soler, Hempel’s Group Product Manager, Cellulosic PFP.
He continues: “Hempafire Pro intumescent coatings have already proved their success in the PFP industry, thanks to the exceptionally low thicknesses required to protect steel. This, compared to previous similar products, results in reduced total paint consumption, fewer coats to apply and protection delivered in shorter process times.
Soler comments: “We’re very pleased to make Hempafire Pro 400 available to customers that require the EN 13381-8 standard and CE mark. Moreover, during this last year we have also further improved the BS-476 loadings at two hours and we received an Environmental Product Declaration. Thanks to the reduced quantity of paint needed in a project, Hempafire Pro 400 can contribute to reducing the PFP-related carbon footprint of buildings.”
Both Hempafire Pro 400 and 315 product ranges are available in ‘fast-dry’ versions to provide best application results in different climatic conditions and can be used as a single solution for most common steel sections for both in-shop or on-site applications. They can be used in Type X exterior conditions and C4-High according to ISO 12944.
The Hempafire Pro range comprises two passive fire protection coatings: Hempafire Pro 315 optimised for 30 and 60 minutes fire protection and Hempafire Pro 400 optimised for 90 and 120 minutes. The range’s lower loadings significantly reduce paint consumption and help to improve drying times, while providing excellent aesthetic appearance when correctly applied, he says.
Designed with applicators in mind, Hempafire Pro range offers excellent application properties and can be applied up to 1,600 microns DFT in one coat to minimise the number of coats required. The same product can be used for most steel profile types, both in-shop and on-site.
The range is BS 476 20/21 and EN13381-8 approved and third-party certified; approved for Type Y/Type X interior/exterior conditions according to EAD 350402-00-1106 and corrosion environments up to C4 High according to ISO 12944; and offered with a considerable list of primers and topcoats to satisfy full system requirements.
Meanwhile in line with its Double Impact strategy, launched early last year –which aims to double Hempel’s revenue by 2025 through both acquisitions and organic growth, as well as ambitious investments in sustainability, innovation and digitalisation – the company has made its third acquisition in the decorative segment this year.
The company has recently acquired Cap Couleurs Group’s store network in South-East France, following its acquisition of Oman’s Khimji Paints in February and Australia’s Paintworld in August.
In the Gulf region, Hempel has acquired the coatings division of the Khimji Ramdas to expand its operations in Oman and further establish itself as a market leader. This marked Hempel’s first acquisition in the decorative segment in the Middle East.
Khimji Paints is a leading paint and coatings manufacturer in Oman, with a strong distribution network of more than 50 own and independent retailers.
Across the globe, Hempel’s paints and coatings can be found in almost every country. They protect and beautify buildings, infrastructure and other assets, and help minimise maintenance costs, and increase energy efficiency.
