How Apollo Fire turned plastic waste into detector dust covers
Iain Hoey
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UK move to rPET dust covers
Apollo Fire has announced that its detector dust covers will now be made from 97% recycled PET.
According to Apollo Fire, the new design replaces covers previously made from PVC, a material that is difficult to recycle and contributes to plastic waste.
The company explained that the change makes the covers fully recyclable while reducing virgin plastic use by 97%.
It added that the redesign supports both internal sustainability goals and compliance with environmental requirements such as the UK Plastic Packaging Tax.
Development and testing process
Apollo Fire reported that the switch to rPET was the result of a cross-functional project involving its supply chain, engineering and sustainability teams.
The company stated that extensive testing, including heat resistance, confirmed that the new covers performed comparably to PVC versions.
It said that the redesigned covers were shown to protect detectors under both operating temperatures and real-world conditions.
Apollo Fire added that rPET offers durability while addressing environmental concerns.
Evaluation of alternative materials
The company outlined that it had assessed paper pulp and biodegradable plastics as alternative materials during the redesign process.
It reported that paper pulp covers warped under changes in temperature and humidity.
Biodegradable plastics required industrial composting facilities and posed contamination risks, according to Apollo Fire.
The company said that these limitations led to the adoption of rPET as the most suitable option.
Compliance and regulation
Apollo Fire explained that the adoption of recycled PET aligns with UK legislation that incentivises the use of recycled content.
It said that the Plastic Packaging Tax encourages higher recycled content in manufactured goods.
The company added that its new covers exceed minimum requirements, reducing exposure to landfill and incineration.
Apollo Fire reported that the change reflects a proactive response to environmental regulation.
Wider sustainability initiatives
Apollo Fire stated that the redesign of dust covers is part of a wider sustainability programme.
It reported that other projects include the introduction of recycled cardboard packaging and trials of recycled polycarbonate alternatives for detectors.
The company also explained that lifecycle assessments are being used to inform future product development.
Apollo Fire said these measures are designed to reduce environmental impact across the business.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
Dust covers are used during the installation and commissioning of fire detectors.
Apollo Fire’s transition to recycled PET means installers and contractors will see a material change in a common component.
The move reflects a broader trend in the fire safety sector toward regulatory compliance on plastics and greater sustainability in design.
For professionals, the development highlights the growing importance of environmentally compliant materials in equipment used across fire safety projects.
Apollo Fire introduces rPET dust covers: Summary
Apollo Fire has announced the redesign of its detector dust covers.
The new covers are made from 97% recycled PET.
The material change reduces virgin plastic use by 97%.
The new design makes the covers fully recyclable.
Testing confirmed the rPET covers match PVC performance.
Alternative materials were assessed but did not meet requirements.
The company said paper pulp warped under temperature changes.
It reported that biodegradable plastics required industrial composting.
Apollo Fire explained the redesign supports UK Plastic Packaging Tax compliance.
The company added that the change exceeds regulatory requirements.
It stated that the redesign is part of wider sustainability efforts.
These include recycled cardboard packaging and polycarbonate alternatives.
Apollo Fire confirmed it is applying lifecycle assessments to products.
The company said these measures embed sustainability across operations.
The redesign applies to dust covers used in detector installation.