Retailers target BFRs for substitution

Deca-BDE is used widely in polyurethane foam in the United States due to the lack of regulatory controls, and limited awareness of the dangers of BFRs within the upholstery industry. IKEA was able to meet the stringent 

Californian standards by switching three years ago to melamine combined with chlorinated paraffins. Melamine is not a bioaccumulative or persistent material. They are now researching alternatives to chlorinated paraffins, including the use of novel substances, such as expanded graphite. IKEA is conducting this research in isolation in the USA and points out that the cost of new substitution will be high unless other upholstery designers and retailers follow suit.  

Marks Spencer continue to develop substitutes for deca-BDE in some product lines. 

Suppliers to Laura Ashley have confirmed they do not use any BFRs in their product lines. 

H M (Hennes Mauritz) uses no flame retardants in any product line, using instead natural materials that are inherently flame resistant. In a few cases, the company has cancelled clothing line items that proved a potential flammable hazard and could not be materially replaced.  

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