A Future Without Antimony: The Rise of Safer Flame Retardant Systems

For decades, antimony trioxide (ATO) played a major role in flame retardant formulations, especially when paired with halogenated systems. It helped plastics meet fire safety standards and supported industries like electronics, automotive and construction. But as global regulations tightened and environmental awareness grew, the world began to ask a new question:
Can we achieve high-level fire protection without antimony?

Today, the answer is a confident yes. A new generation of antimony trioxide free flame-retardant solutions is reshaping the industry – offering cleaner, safer and more sustainable alternatives without compromising performance.

Why The World Is Moving Away from Antimony Trioxide

Antimony trioxide has long been known to raise concerns related to:

  • Toxicity and dust exposure
  • Regulatory restrictionsunder RoHS and REACH
  • High smoke and corrosive byproductswhen combined with halogens
  • Environmental persistence

Manufacturers now face pressure not only to comply with regulations but also to build safer and more responsible supply chains. As a result, demand for antimony-free solutions has surged across sectors like automotive, wire & cable, home appliances and electronics housings.

Going antimony-free is no longer a trend – it’s becoming a global standard

The Science Behind Antimony-Free Innovation

Modern flame-retardant chemistry has progressed far beyond ATO. Today’s alternatives rely on phosphorus–nitrogen-based systems, intumescent mechanisms and synergistic formulations that deliver excellent fire performance while staying environmentally responsible.

When exposed to heat, these systems:

  1. Promote char formationto create a protective barrier
  2. Reduce heat release rates
  3. Lower smoke generation
  4. Prevent drippingin thermoplastics
  5. Achieve UL94 V-0 classificationin suitable polymer matrices

These benefits make phosphorus–nitrogen systems the preferred route for manufacturers seeking cleaner, safer formulations without sacrificing performance.

HOFNIL-87NC — Leading the Antimony-Free Revolution

At SK Minerals & Additives Limited, HOFNIL-87NC represents the next step in sustainable flame-retardant design.
Engineered as a direct ATO replacement synergist, it offers:

  • High efficiency in PP, PE, ABS, PA and TPE
  • Low smoke, low toxicity, halogen-free performance
  • Excellent compatibility with intumescent and non-halogen systems
  • Enhanced char stability and reduced loading requirements
  • Full RoHS and REACH compliance

HOFNIL-87NC shows that antimony-free doesn’t mean “less effective” – it means “more responsible, more consistent and more future-ready.”

Real-World Applications: Where It Matters Most

Electrical & Electronics

Switches, connectors and housings benefit from antimony-free formulations that reduce smoke and toxicity during fire events.

Automotive

Under-the-hood components and interior parts require clean, durable and compliant fire protection – making ATO-free chemistry ideal.

Wire & Cable

Low-smoke, low-toxicity compounds are now a requirement for public spaces, transportation and data centres.

Consumer Appliances

Manufacturers gain safer, globally accepted materials without design compromises.

The Future is Clear – And Antimony-Free

As industries evolve, the need for safer and more sustainable flame-retardant technologies grows stronger. Antimony trioxide free flame-retardant solutions offer manufacturers a chance to reduce risks, simplify compliance and deliver products that reflect modern expectations of environmental responsibility.

At SK Minerals & Additives Limited, we believe flame retardancy should protect both materials and people – and that begins with cleaner chemistry.