Buying questions
Can nonwoven be made flame retardant?
Yes, by additive or by treatment, but FR changes the material. Strength, hand feel, colour and the compliance file all move, and the standard you claim has to be tested on the finished product.
At a glance
Specification at a glance
| Route | Durability | Typical standard |
|---|---|---|
| FR masterbatch | Durable, in the fibre | FMVSS 302, DIN 4102 B1 |
| Back coating | Durable to washing limits | EN 13501 class |
| Treated surface | Temporary | Internal spec only |
| Inherent FR fibre | Durable | Aramid, modacrylic blends |
What the standards actually test
FMVSS 302 is a horizontal burn rate for automotive interiors. DIN 4102 and EN 13501 classify building materials. Neither is a fabric property in isolation: thickness, mounting and adjacent materials change the result.
The cost of the claim
An FR additive typically adds cost, reduces elongation and can shift colour. Products that also need softness or food contact often cannot carry FR at all, which is a design decision made early rather than late.
Check the claim before it goes on the pack
Send the claim you want to make and the market it sells in. We reply with what the material can support and what it cannot.
Questions
Common questions
Is FR nonwoven toxic?
Depends on the chemistry. Halogen free systems are common now, and the declaration should name the system.
Does FR survive washing?
Internal additives do. Surface treatments do not, and the standard usually states the wash cycles.
Can FR be added to spunlace?
Yes, by fibre selection or a finish, with the same trade offs in strength and hand.