Kisuma expands flame retardancy portfolio

Kisuma Chemicals, a global leader in magnesium-based additives, launched two breakthrough product solutions at K 2025 targeting halogen-free flame retardant (HFFR) polymer formulations: KISUMA™ X, a next-generation synthetic magnesium hydroxide flame retardant developed to achieve high HFFR performance at lower dosage levels in polyolefin, EVA and nylon (PA) compounds, and Zenthos™ FR, a new FR product family designed for partial or full replacement of antimony trioxide (ATO) in flexible PVC.

“Driven by stricter fire safety regulations, the global market is noticeably shifting towards HFFR systems, with growing adoption in data centers, automotive electrification and public infrastructure. KISUMA™ X and Zenthos™ FR respond directly to these industry challenges by providing superior economics, safety and supply chain security,” says Zachary Hoffman, Business Development Lead EMEA at Kisuma Chemicals. “We are proud to introduce these two innovations to the plastics market at K 2025. They mark a significant expansion of our flame retardancy portfolio and set a new standard for the industry while reaffirming Kisuma’s leadership in delivering safe, efficient, sustainable and future-proof FR solutions.”

KISUMA™ X

As an advanced magnesium hydroxide, KISUMA™ X features a unique high-aspect-ratio particle shape and achieves HFFR requirements at much lower dosage levels compared to conventional magnesium hydroxide. This results in better processability and gives formulators greater freedom to optimize their compounds, enabling the transition away from halogenated FR systems and opening new formulation options in polyolefins, EVA and nylon systems. Although halogenated flame retardants (e.g. brominated and chlorinated compounds) have a long history for their effectiveness, they are increasingly restricted under EU REACH and RoHS regulations due to concerns about toxicity, persistence, and bioaccumulation.

KISUMA™ X eliminates these concerns with no compromise in performance, offering superior flame retardancy and smoke suppression. Relevant applications include PE and PP compounds for data and communication cables, renewable energy power cables, automotive wires and wiring harnesses, low-smoke zero-halogen building wires, as well as EVA and nylon compounds used in consumer electronics and electric appliances.

Zenthos™ FR

Zenthos™ FR combines Kisuma’s new solutions for replacing ATO in flexible PVC and PVC plastisols under one brand. Flexible PVC applications are under pressure since ATO, which is commonly used as a synergist in halogen systems, has been classified a Category 2 carcinogen by ECHA while at the same time facing significant supply shortages and cost volatility. At the same time, zinc borate is also under increasing environmental and safety review.

Zenthos™ FR provides a non-toxic, sustainable alternative that enables compounders to maintain performance while removing substances of concern from their products. It offers formulation flexibility in zinc and zinc-free options, helps compounders meet strict FR standards at cost-efficient dosage levels and provides multifunctional benefits, including char formation, smoke suppression, thermal stabilization and improved weatherability in a single FR additive. Target applications are coated fabrics, wires and cables, building envelopes, flooring, wall coverings, geomembranes and others where flame retardancy and sustainability have become increasingly critical.

Together, KISUMA™ X and Zenthos™ FR open a safer regulatory pathway for formulators, compounders and processors. They also align with Kisuma’s corporate carbon neutrality goals by reducing their product carbon footprint through more efficient resource usage, and contribute to UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health & Well-Being), 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production), and 14 (Life Below Water).

Launched at K 2025, KISUMA™ X will become commercially available in 2026. While several first-generation Zenthos™ FR products can already be supplied in commercial volumes today, the family will be expanded further and begin to comprise next-generation grades in the months ahead.