Environmental Audit Committee report highlights Britannia Fire waste concerns

The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has published a report on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) calling for the Government to restrict non-essential uses of these chemicals across the United Kingdom.

Andy Spence, Managing Director of Britannia Fire, welcomed the findings following his address to the EAC in the House of Commons during June 2025.

Spence explained: “I welcome today’s report which reflects the thorough and focussed approach taken by the EAC.

“In June last year I was invited to address the EAC in the House of Commons to provide an industry viewpoint on the challenges facing the fire safety industry in achieving a smooth transition away from PFAS firefighting foams.

“The MPs listened carefully to my concerns and have highlighted them within the report, in particular the issue of impending bottlenecks and rising costs for the disposal of PFAS foam waste, with only two approved PFAS incinerating facilities currently operational in the UK.”

The cross-party committee warned that the current incineration capacity is insufficient to handle the expected volume of hazardous waste.

National remediation fund proposed for PFAS cleanup

The EAC report recommends that the Government should apply a polluter pays principle and consult on a national PFAS Remediation Fund by March 2027.

Toby Perkins MP, Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee, stated: “Our report calls for the Government to phase out PFAS uses that are clearly non-essential, such as in kitchen equipment and school uniforms, and to take a precautionary approach to approving new PFAS.

“Rather than waiting for proof that a chemical is harmful before banning it, companies should need approval before they introduce a new PFAS substance.”

Spence noted: “I agree wholeheartedly with the findings that urgent action needs to be taken.

“The UK is lagging behind Europe in restricting the use of PFAS.

“We haven’t kept pace and need to catch up.

“We eagerly await the recommendations from the Health and Safety Executive following a six month consultation on proposed restrictions of PFAS in firefighting foam and hope that swift action to phase them out follows soon after.

“Although the phasing out of PFAS for some essential applications may be challenging, banning PFAS foams in fire extinguishers is an easy win.

“There are PFAS-free foam alternatives already available as effective and affordable replacements, such as Britannia Fire’s P50 ECO model, introduced to the market back in 2024.

“Responsible customers are already beginning to make the switch, which is bringing the issue of safe disposal of PFAS foams to the foreground.”

The committee suggests a phased restriction on non-essential consumer products starting from 2027.