Britannia Fire discusses extinguisher innovation at IFSJ Leaders 2025
Iain Hoey
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UK manufacturer sets out environmental aims for fire extinguisher production
The IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference has reported that Britannia Fire Joint Managing Director Andy Spence delivered a presentation on extinguisher innovation and regulation at the 2025 event in Dubai.
Spence said the fire industry must support new ideas that meet environmental and customer expectations.
He noted: “Innovation needs to be encouraged and new ideas explored and developed in all industries.”
Spence explained that Britannia Fire had transitioned fully to composite extinguisher production and is aiming to move away from traditional servicing models.
He said the company is using AI, sensor technology, and new agent types in its upcoming range.
Fire extinguisher design changes linked to circular economy goals
Spence told the audience that production methods must reflect the full life cycle of fire safety products.
He said: “Companies need to look at where improvements can be made to benefit the customer, the industry and the environment.”
He added: “If we can develop it, we can test it and we can ensure that it works then it’s a win-win for everybody.”
Spence said composite extinguishers can meet safety requirements while reducing carbon output, minimising servicing needs and extending lifespan.
He stated: “We have a 20 year lifespan PAS free reduction in carbon footprint, recyclable and it’s better for the environment.”
Industry regulation identified as key obstacle to change
Spence raised concern about the pace of regulation, particularly around British and European extinguisher standards.
He said: “We stifle innovation by not moving faster.”
He added: “It used to take five years to write a standard. It still takes five years. But it was five years 30 years ago.”
He noted that updates in communication and testing allow for faster revisions.
He said: “We’ve got email now. Somebody needs to tell them. It’s so easy. We can move a lot quicker.”
Local sourcing and PFAS-free materials highlighted in UK market
Spence reported that over 75 percent of extinguishers sold in the UK are imported from China, despite high transport distances and associated emissions.
He stated: “They travel 4,000 miles to the UK before we actually put them onto a wall.”
He added that composite extinguishers can be made in the UK using local materials and processes that reduce dependency on chemical treatments.
He said: “We have a full PAS free range of products as well.”
He also discussed fire agent options for lithium-ion battery incidents and outlined a new development for small-scale battery devices.
Britannia Fire outlines composite extinguisher approach at Dubai event: Summary
The IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference reported that Andy Spence spoke on behalf of Britannia Fire at the 2025 event.
He presented on changes in fire extinguisher manufacturing and servicing approaches.
Spence said composite materials now replace steel in Britannia Fire’s extinguishers.
He explained that the company’s P50 range uses less energy and lasts up to 20 years.
He reported that many extinguishers used in the UK are imported from China.
Spence said the company aims to use local sourcing and PFAS-free agents.
He stated that battery-ready units using AVD are now in development.
Spence raised concerns about regulation timelines within BSI and Europe.
He said the pace of standards development has not kept up with technological change.
He added that innovation must be supported to meet customer and environmental targets.
The presentation formed part of Britannia Fire’s Platinum Partner participation at the event.
Watch the presentation:
