Temperature tolerance: How Dafo Fomtec’s Enviro NEO performs across fuel types
Iain Hoey
Share this content
The development of Dafo Fomtec Enviro NEO’s and where it fits high-hazard industrial response planning
In January 2026, Dafo Fomtec launched Enviro NEO, a synthetic fluorine-free firefighting foam developed for petrochemical, oil and gas, marine and other high-hazard industries.
The product forms part of the company’s Enviro Programme, which has focused on fluorine-free foam development since 2010.
Development through full-scale testing
Enviro NEO is the result of thousands of full-scale fire tests carried out under the Enviro Programme.
The testing programme evaluated performance across a range of fuel types, water qualities and discharge systems.
According to Fomtec, the aim was to deliver consistent extinguishing capability in demanding industrial environments such as offshore platforms, tank farms and marine terminals.
The product was validated against recognised international standards including EN 1568, UL 162, ICAO, IMO and LASTFIRE.
Testing covered both hydrocarbon and polar solvent fuels under varying application conditions.
Fully hydrated polymer technology
Enviro NEO uses 100% hydrated polymers in its formulation.
This approach removes the need for partially hydrated or unhydrated polymers, which can lead to viscosity changes if water enters the concentrate during storage or handling.
In some fluorine-free formulations, partially hydrated polymers may thicken rapidly when exposed to additional water.
This can result in increased viscosity, separation or gum formation.
By contrast, Enviro NEO is designed to maintain stable viscosity and reliable proportioning throughout discharge.
The objective is to support predictable foam generation from the start of application to final extinguishment.
Performance profile
Enviro 3×3 NEO is a sixth-generation alcohol-resistant synthetic fluorine-free foam concentrate within the Enviro NEO range.
It contains no intentionally added fluorinated surfactants or polymers.
The product is designed for use at a 3% proportioning rate on both hydrocarbon and polar solvent fuel fires.
It has demonstrated performance on fuels including heptane, Jet A-1, hexane, acetone, ethanol, methanol, isopropyl alcohol, methyl ethyl ketone and ethyl and butyl acetate.
It is also suitable for severe foam-destroying liquids such as MTBE.
The suppression mechanism is based on the formation of a foam blanket that blocks oxygen from the fuel surface while the water content cools the fuel and reduces vapour release.
When applied to polar solvents, a polymeric membrane forms between the fuel and the foam blanket, enabling extinguishment and helping to prevent re-ignition.
Enviro 3×3 NEO can be applied as low or medium expansion foam in mobile firefighting operations or in fixed systems designed to recommended application rates and discharge durations.
It can also be used on Class A fires involving wood, paper and textiles at induction rates between 0.3% and 1%.
Technical characteristics and storage
Enviro 3×3 NEO is suitable for use with fresh water, brackish water and seawater, making it appropriate for coastal, offshore and marine installations.
Typical physical data includes a clear yellowish liquid appearance, specific gravity of 1.06 ± 0.02 g/ml at 20°C, pseudoplastic viscosity and pH between 6.5 and 8.5.
The freezing point is -14.6°C and the recommended storage temperature range is -14°C to 55°C.
Surface tension is ≤ 30.0 mN/m.
When stored in original unopened packaging under appropriate conditions, the product is expected to achieve a shelf life in excess of 10 years in temperate climates.
Shelf life depends on storage temperature and conditions.
Find out more about Envrio NEW here: https://www.fomtec.com/enviro-neo/