halogenfri

Halogenfri, or halogen-free, is a label used for materials and products that do not contain halogens—fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine—or do not release halogenated compounds when burned. The term is widely applied to cables, electronics, and building materials where halogenated substances can produce toxic, corrosive gases and dense smoke during fire.

Definitions vary: some standards require total absence of halogens in the material; others allow trace amounts below defined thresholds. In practice, manufacturers may demonstrate halogen-free status by analytical tests for halogen content and by combustion gas analysis. International standards and certification schemes exist to verify these claims.

Halogen-free formulations typically replace halogenated flame retardants with mineral or non-halogen flame retardants, such as mineral fillers (e.g., aluminum or magnesium hydroxide) or phosphorus- or nitrogen-based systems, and use base polymers that do not contain halogens.

Applications and benefits: Reducing halogenated emissions improves safety for occupants and firefighters and can simplify end-of-life disposal and recycling. In sectors such as consumer electronics, automotive, and building insulation, halogen-free materials are often preferred or required by procurement standards and environmental regulations. Trade-offs can include higher material costs, different processing behavior, and varying flame-retardant performance compared with halogenated alternatives.

Regulatory context: Halogen-free materials align with environmental regulations and voluntary schemes aimed at reducing halogenated substances and halogen-based flame retardants, though requirements vary by region and application.