North America Firefighting Foam Market 2024–2033

Reports Description

As per the current market research conducted by CMI Team, the North America Firefighting Foam Market is expected to record a CAGR of 1.7% from 2023 to 2032. In 2022, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of USD 1.56 billion. By 2032, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 1.82 billion.

The North America firefighting foam market pertains to the sector involved in the manufacturing, distribution, and utilization of firefighting foams within the North American region.

Firefighting foams are specially formulated substances employed to suppress and extinguish fires. They are primarily utilized in situations where conventional methods like water may not be effective, such as in fires involving flammable liquids or hazardous materials.

The North America firefighting foam market encompasses a range of foam types, including Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), Alcohol-Resistant Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AR-AFFF), Protein Foam, Synthetic Foam, and High-Expansion Foam. These foams are engineered to generate a thick layer of foam that suppresses the fire, establishes a barrier between the fuel and oxygen, and aids in cooling the fire.

The North America firefighting foam market Outlook (2020 – 2030) – Significant Growth Factors

Increase in Fire Safety Regulations: North America has stringent fire safety regulations across various industries, including oil and gas, chemical, manufacturing, and transportation. These regulations mandate the use of effective firefighting measures, including the use of firefighting foams. Compliance with these regulations drives the demand for firefighting foams in the region.

Rising Focus on Industrial Safety: There is a growing emphasis on industrial safety and risk mitigation in North America. Industries are investing in advanced fire suppression systems and firefighting foams to protect their personnel, facilities, and assets. The adoption of proactive safety measures fuels the demand for firefighting foams in the region.

Growth in High-Risk Industries: North America has a significant presence of high-risk industries such as oil refineries, petrochemical plants, power generation facilities, and aerospace manufacturing. These industries are prone to fire hazards and require effective firefighting solutions, including firefighting foams. The expansion of such industries drives the demand for firefighting foams in the region.

Technological Advancements: The firefighting foam industry is witnessing technological advancements aimed at enhancing the performance and efficiency of firefighting foams. Improved foam formulations, better compatibility with different fuel types, and increased effectiveness in suppressing fires contribute to the growth of the firefighting foam market in North America.

Increasing Awareness and Preparedness: The awareness about the importance of fire safety and the need for adequate firefighting measures is increasing among businesses and individuals in North America. This leads to a higher demand for firefighting foams as a crucial component of fire safety preparedness plans.

Growth in Construction and Infrastructure Projects: The construction industry in North America is experiencing steady growth with the development of commercial complexes, residential buildings, and infrastructure projects. These projects require fire protection systems, including the use of firefighting foams, to meet safety standards and regulations, driving the market growth.

Overall, these growth opportunities are expected to fuel the expansion of the North America Firefighting Foam Market in the coming years.

North America Firefighting Foam Market – Mergers and Acquisitions

The North America Firefighting Foam Market – Mergers and Acquisitions has seen several mergers and acquisitions in recent years. Some notable examples include:

Johnson Controls International plc merged with Tyco International: Johnson Controls, a global diversified technology and multi-industrial company, merged with Tyco International in 2016, a leading provider of fire protection and security solutions. This strategic partnership resulted in the formation of Johnson Controls International, creating a comprehensive portfolio of fire suppression products, including firefighting foam solutions.

Solberg acquisition of Amerex: Solberg, a prominent global manufacturer of firefighting foam, completed the acquisition of Amerex Corporation in 2018. Amerex Corporation specializes in manufacturing fire extinguishers and firefighting systems. This strategic acquisition enabled Solberg to diversify its product offerings and reinforce its presence in the North America firefighting foam market.

Kidde acquisition of Angus Fire: Angus Fire, a highly regarded manufacturer of firefighting foam concentrates, was acquired by Kidde in 2012. Kidde, a world leader in fire and safety solutions, recognized the value of adding Angus Fire to its portfolio. This acquisition played a pivotal role in expanding Kidde’s range of foam products and solidifying its position in the North America firefighting foam market.

These mergers and acquisitions have allowed companies to expand their product offerings, reach new markets, and strengthen their positions in the North America Firefighting Foam Market.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE RELATED MARKET

North America Firefighting Foam Market – Significant Threats

The North America Firefighting Foam Market faces several significant threats that could impact its growth and profitability. Some of these threats include:

Environmental Regulations: The increasing enforcement of environmental regulations poses a significant threat to the firefighting foam market in North America. Traditional firefighting foams contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are known to have detrimental effects on the environment and human health. Consequently, regulatory bodies may implement restrictions or bans on PFAS-based foams, compelling the industry to seek environmentally friendly alternatives.

Shift towards PFAS-Free Foams: The industry is experiencing a shift towards PFAS-free firefighting foams due to mounting concerns regarding PFAS contamination. While this transition is advantageous from an environmental perspective, it poses a threat to manufacturers heavily reliant on PFAS-based foam products. To mitigate this risk, companies in the firefighting foam sector must modify their formulations and production processes to create compliant and effective PFAS-free foams.

Competition from Alternative Firefighting Agents: Firefighting foam faces competition from alternative firefighting agents like gels, powders, and compressed air foam systems (CAFS). These alternatives offer distinct advantages and are being considered by some fire departments and industries. Consequently, the availability and adoption of these alternatives have the potential to impact the market share of firefighting foam in North America.

Cost Pressures: Manufacturers of firefighting foam also face cost pressures stemming from price fluctuations in key raw materials such as fluoropolymers and surfactants. Moreover, the introduction of new regulations or the necessity to develop PFAS-free formulations may entail substantial investments in research and development, potentially raising production costs. These cost pressures can influence the profitability and competitiveness of foam manufacturers.

Technological Advancements: The emergence of new firefighting technologies and equipment presents both challenges and opportunities for the firefighting foam market. Advancements in fire suppression systems, robotics, and drone technology, for instance, may reduce the need for extensive foam usage or alter firefighting operations. Foam manufacturers must stay abreast of these technological advancements to ensure their products remain pertinent and efficacious.

Overall, these threats pose significant challenges for the North America Firefighting Foam Market and require companies to be vigilant in addressing them to ensure sustainable growth and profitability.

Report Scope

Category-Wise Insights

By Service Type:

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF): It consists of water, a fluorosurfactant, a hydrocarbon-based solvent, and stabilizing agents. AFFF creates a thin film on the fuel surface, suppressing flammable liquid fires by forming a barrier and preventing the release of flammable vapors.

Alcohol-Resistant Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AR-AFFF): It is a specialized type of foam designed for alcohol-based fuel fires, such as ethanol or methanol. It contains additional additives that provide resistance to the effects of alcohol, allowing the foam to effectively suppress fires involving alcohol-based fuels.

Protein Foam: Protein foam is derived from natural proteins, typically animal proteins like hydrolyzed keratin or collagen. It forms a stable, cohesive blanket on the fuel surface, creating a barrier that prevents the release of flammable vapors and extinguishes the fire. Protein foam is commonly used in applications such as aircraft hangars and flammable liquid storage areas.

Synthetic Based Foam (SBF): Synthetic based foams are formulated with synthetic surfactants, polymers, and other additives. They are designed to provide excellent fire extinguishing capabilities and burn-back resistance. SBF is suitable for a wide range of fire hazards, including flammable liquid fires and certain types of solid combustibles.

By End User Type:

Oil and Gas Industry: Firefighting foam is utilized in oil refineries, petrochemical plants, and other facilities within the oil and gas industry. It helps combat and suppress flammable liquid fires that can arise during the extraction, processing, storage, and transportation of oil and gas products.

Aviation Sector: The aviation industry relies on firefighting foam for aircraft fire protection and rescue operations. Foam is employed in airports and aircraft hangars to swiftly suppress fires, safeguarding passengers, crew members, and valuable assets from fire hazards.

Manufacturing and Industrial Facilities: Manufacturing plants and industrial facilities use firefighting foam to protect their operations and personnel from fire risks. These facilities can include chemical plants, warehouses, power generation facilities, and other industrial sites where flammable materials are present.

Municipal Fire Departments: Municipal fire departments and emergency response agencies are major consumers of firefighting foam. Foam is used in firefighting operations to extinguish various types of fires, including those involving flammable liquids, and to prevent re-ignition.

Marine and Offshore Industry: The marine and offshore sectors, including ports, harbors, and offshore platforms, rely on firefighting foam for fire suppression and rescue operations. Foam plays a crucial role in combating fires that can occur on ships, vessels, and offshore installations.

Mining and Construction: Firefighting foam is often required at mining and construction sites to mitigate fire risks associated with machinery, flammable materials, and fuel storage. Foam is used in these industries to suppress fires and protect workers and equipment.

North America Firefighting Foam Market – Regional Analysis

North America Firefighting Foam Market can be analyzed regionally based on the geographical distribution and the market presence of key players.

United States: The United States serves as the largest market for firefighting foam within North America. It is characterized by a strong presence of diverse industries, including oil and gas, aviation, manufacturing, and municipal fire departments. These industries drive the demand for firefighting foam products due to their focus on fire safety and the need to combat potential fire hazards.

Canada: Canada holds significant importance as a market for firefighting foam in North America. Industries such as oil and gas, mining, manufacturing, and municipal fire departments contribute to the demand for firefighting foam products in the country. Similar to the United States, these industries prioritize fire safety measures, which fuels the demand for firefighting foam.

Mexico: Mexico also plays a noteworthy role in the North America firefighting foam market. The country’s industrial sectors, including oil and gas, manufacturing, and municipal fire departments, generate demand for firefighting foam products to ensure fire safety. As these industries continue to grow and develop, the need for reliable firefighting foam solutions increases.

Competitive Landscape – North America Firefighting Foam Market

The North America Firefighting Foam Market is highly competitive and is dominated by several major players, including:

• 3M Company: Provider of array of firefighting foam products and solutions, including AFFF and protein-based foams and focuses on continuous innovation and technological advancements to meet the evolving needs of the firefighting industry.
• Johnson Controls International plc: Johnson Controls offers firefighting foam solutions for various sectors, including industrial, municipal, and aviation. Their product portfolio encompasses AFFF, AR-AFFF, and fluoroprotein foam, catering to diverse applications.
• The Chemours Company: The Chemours Company is a leading provider of fluorinated foam concentrates, offering AFFF and AR-AFFF. They prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship in their product offerings.
• Angus Fire: Known for its firefighting foam concentrates, Angus Fire delivers high-performance and environmentally responsible solutions. Their product range includes AFFF, high-expansion foam, and fluoroprotein foam.
• Solberg: Solberg provides an extensive range of firefighting foam concentrates and foam systems, serving industries such as oil and gas, aviation, and marine. Their offerings include AFFF, AR-AFFF, and protein-based foams.
• I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DuPont): DuPont specializes in firefighting foam concentrates, including AFFF, AR-AFFF, and protein foam. They prioritize the development of innovative foam technologies to enhance fire suppression capabilities.
• National Foam: Specializing in the manufacturing of foam concentrates, National Foam offers a comprehensive range of products, including AFFF, AR-AFFF, and protein foam. They provide foam solutions for various firefighting applications.
• Kerr Fire: As a leading manufacturer of firefighting foam concentrates and foam systems, Kerr Fire offers a diverse range of foam products, such as AFFF, AR-AFFF, high-expansion foam, and fluoroprotein foam.

Chemguard Inc., The Ansul Company (a subsidiary of Johnson Controls International PLC), Amerex Corporation, Williams Fire & Hazard Control, Buckeye Fire Equipment Company, Sthamer Hamburg GmbH, Others. These companies compete on the basis of service quality, pricing, target market, and marketing strategies to maintain their market share and gain a competitive advantage.

The North America Firefighting Foam Market is segmented as follows:

By Service Type

• Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)
• Alcohol Resistant Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AR-AFFF)
• Protein Foam (PF)
• Synthetic Detergent Foam (Medium and High Expansion)
• Others (Class A foams, fluorine-free foams, and other environmentally safe foam)

By Sourcing Type

• Oil & Gas
• Aviation
• Marine
• Mining
• Others (Heavy Industries, Pharmaceutical Industry, Utility Industry, Solvents & Coatings Industry, and Others)

By Material Type

• Surfactant
• Fluorosurfactant
• Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)
• Others (Fluorotelomers, Glycol And Gums)

By Expansion

• Low
• Medium
• High

On the basis of North America Geography

• U.S
• Canada
• Mexico
• Rest of North America