Global Firefighting Foam Market 2025 – 2034

As per the Firefighting Foam Market analysis conducted by the CMI Team, the global Firefighting Foam Market is expected to record a CAGR of 2.7% from 2025 to 2034. In 2025, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of USD 5.94 Billion. By 2034, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 7.57 Billion.

Firefighting Foam Market Overview

The global firefighting foam industry is witnessing steady growth driven by increasing fire safety codes, rapid industrialization, and a growing emphasis on emergency response infrastructure. Firefighting foam, a critical component of fire suppression systems, is broadly used in industries such as oil & gas, aviation, marine, mining, and warehousing, where liquid flammable fires are a frequent hazard. These foams provide quick cooling and smothering of fires by depositing a covering film on fuel surfaces, thus precluding re-ignition.

Demand is also being influenced by more stringent environmental regulations, particularly for fluorinated foams such as AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam). This has caused a proliferation of research and development for fluorine-free and eco-friendly products. In addition, the increased emphasis on fire safety awareness and infrastructure development in developing economies of Asia-Pacific and Latin America will also be driving market growth through the next decade considerably.

Firefighting Foam Market Significant Growth Factors                                              

The Firefighting Foam Market Trends presents significant growth opportunities due to several factors:

• Industrial Expansion in Emerging Economies: The rapid industrialization throughout the emerging markets of India, China, Brazil, and countries in Southeast Asia is building immense demand for firefighting foams. These countries are all facing tremendous growth within the oil & gas, petrochemical, manufacturing, and transportation industries which are all critically susceptible to being exposed to fires. As the governments promote foreign direct investment (FDI) and infrastructure development, industrial factories are increasingly in demand of robust fire protection systems. Firefighting foam is a sought-after medium due to its ability to suppress and blanket fires at a rapid rate. Additionally, urbanization and industrial parks in these nations are demanding adherence to international fire safety standards, hence driving the adoption of firefighting foam solutions. As these economies grow, the associated demand for industrial fire protection products, including foam-based products, will increase, providing a primary growth avenue for manufacturers.

• Advancements in Foam Formulations: The foam industry for firefighting is experiencing universal innovation in foam chemistry because of increasing regulatory and environmental pressure to move away from hazardous chemicals such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Industry is meeting this with greater research and development activity to create high-performance, fluorine-free replacement foams with similar or improved fire suppression effectiveness compared to legacy aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF). These advancements are reshaping product portfolios and positioning eco-friendly foams as the future standard in both municipal and industrial fire safety applications. These newer products are designed to extinguish fire rapidly, but with less toxicity and greater biodegradability, in line with global patterns toward lower environmental impact and regulation. For example, In May 2023, Johnson Controls introduced the NFF-331 3%x3% Concentrate, a non-fluorinated firefighting foam. This moves with the industry’s trend towards green products, countering the issues of PFAS in conventional foams.​ In addition, new foams are designed to possess longer shelf lives, reduced viscosities for improved pumpability, and greater compatibility with current delivery systems. These developments not only minimize environmental impact but also create new markets where conventional foams have been prohibited, making them a significant force behind market growth.

• Rising Awareness of Fire Safety: Global consciousness for occupational safety and disaster risk management is increasingly on the rise, particularly in industrial, commercial, and public infrastructure settings. Governments and institutions are implementing stricter fire protection codes demanding effective suppression systems, thus creating a positive market for firefighting foams. Campaigns, programs for training, and more stringent audits under organizations like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in the United States or comparable organizations in Europe and Asia-Pacific are compelling industries to invest in dependable firefighting systems. These include foam systems, which provide better performance in dealing with Class A and B fires. Moreover, companies are preferring preventive solutions over reactive solutions, promoting proactive installation of foam-based fire suppression systems. The overall effect of rising consciousness and governmental support is the direct consequence of growing adoption and demand for firefighting foams worldwide.

• Expansion in Oil & Gas Industry: The oil and gas sector is one of the biggest and most combustible sectors in the world and is hence one of the biggest consumers of firefighting foam systems. Offshore and onshore production and exploration activities demand special foam solutions that would be able to quickly and safely extinguish fires involving flammable liquids. The continued rise of the market, especially in the Middle East, North America, and Asia-Pacific, is fueling the demand for high-performance foams such as AFFF and AR-AFFF. These foams are necessary to fight hydrocarbon pool fires and avoid re-ignition. Oil terminal, refinery, storage tank, and LNG facility regulatory requirements fuel the addition of fixed and portable foam systems. Also, as companies refurbish their safety equipment and replace old equipment, there will be increased need for technologically advanced and eco-friendly firefighting foams, which will be an effective market growth driver.

Firefighting Foam Market Significant Threats

The Firefighting Foam Market faces several significant threats that could impact its growth and profitability in the future. Some of these threats include:

• Environmental Concerns over PFAS: One of the most significant challenges in the firefighting foam industry is the environmental background of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which have been the central ingredient of most traditional foams. PFAS are non-degradable in the environment and have been linked to adverse health effects such as cancer, immune system diseases, and endocrine disruption. These substances are not easily biodegradable and have the potential to leach into groundwater and soil, causing long-term harm to the environment. Government regulatory bodies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) are imposing stringent regulations on PFAS application, which impacts product approvals and imports/exports. Most of the nations are totally banning or phasing out PFAS-based foams. Thus, firms are under pressure to re-formulate products, which is R&D expense and commercialization delays. This environmental pressure is a significant market growth barrier.

• Lack of Awareness in Developing Regions: In several developing and underdeveloped regions across Africa, South Asia, and parts of Latin America, there is a lack of awareness regarding the benefits and proper use of firefighting foam. While fire incidents in industrial and residential areas are not uncommon, many facilities either rely on outdated suppression methods or do not invest in comprehensive fire safety infrastructure. This lack of information is then supplemented by an absence of mandatory fire safety regulation or weak enforcement at the local level. Therefore, businesses and public facilities often do not take advantage of foam systems despite proven effectiveness in the control of flammable liquid and structure building fires. Furthermore, a lack of trained personnel to install and maintain foam systems serves to suppress demand for these technologies.

Firefighting Foam Market Opportunities

• Integration with Smart Technologies: The integration of firefighting foam systems with smart technologies is an emerging opportunity for business expansion. As fire safety evolves towards automation and accuracy, smart foam systems with IoT sensors, AI-impacted control panels, and real-time data monitoring are gaining traction. These intelligent systems can detect the initial traces of fire, blow off foam in measured amounts automatically, and alert response units, minimizing damage and response time. They also allow remote diagnostics, performance monitoring, and predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and operation risk. Such integration is particularly worth its weight in gold in critical infrastructure such as power plants, airports, and data centers. Additionally, smart systems enable compliance with changing safety regulations and assist organizations in documenting and auditing their fire response systems. This technological revolution will make it possible to produce a new generation of demand from industries requiring innovative, effective, and interconnected fire protection systems.

• Increased Demand in Data Centers: The rapid growth of data centers worldwide driven by digitalization, cloud computing, and 5G has created a higher need for effective and advanced fire suppression systems. Firefighting foam offers an extremely effective solution to protect high-value server environments, particularly in cases involving flammable liquids like diesel used in backup generators. Unlike conventional water-based systems with potential to cause harm to sensitive electronics, foam systems can be designed to minimize collateral damage while being able to control fires efficiently in due course. What is more, the majority of data centers are constructed in cities where fire safety standards are strictly applied, which further promotes the use of advanced foam-based systems. The increasing number of hyperscale facilities and edge data centers in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific is equated to mounting installation of advanced foam suppression systems. This presents an attractive opportunity for foam manufacturers and integrators to supply specialist products for the rapidly growing digital infrastructure market.

Firefighting Foam Market Segmentation Analysis

By Type

• Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF): Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is synthetic fire extinguishant to fight Class B fires caused by flammable liquids such as gasoline and jet fuel. AFFF extinguishes the fire by creating a thin aqueous film that covers the fuel surface, smothering vapor release and oxygen deprivation to the fire, thus killing the fire. AFFF has widespread use in petrochemical, aviation, and manufacturing operations owing to the fast fire knockdown. In spite of this, the health and environmental issues have witnessed more regulations with a shift towards fluorine-free alternatives.

• Alcohol Resistant Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AR-AFFF): AR-AFFF is a type of foam that is used to put out fires in polar solvents such as ethanol and methanol, which contaminate normal AFFF. AR-AFFF contains polymers which form a protective film on the fuel surface, which is resistant to foam breakdown and provides effective vapor suppression. AR-AFFF is necessary in industries that handle water-miscible inflammable liquids such as chemical manufacturing and fuel depots. Its efficacy and adaptability make it an integral component in fire protection systems of high-risk structures.

• Protein Foam (PF): Protein foam is mixed from natural protein hydrolysates and is primarily utilized in the extinguishing of Class B hydrocarbon fires. It creates a cohesive, insulating blanket which smothering vapors and protects against re-ignition. Although slower to act than synthetic foams such as AFFF, PF is preferred due to its stability, drainage retardation, and environment compatibility. It performs well in large storage tank fires and in applications where long-lasting coverage is necessary. However, it has limitations on polar solvents and is often supplemented with film-forming agents. As sustainability becomes a key concern, protein foams—being biodegradable—offer a safer alternative to synthetic options, especially in environmentally sensitive regions or industries prioritizing eco-conscious firefighting methods.

• Synthetic Detergent Foam (Medium and High Expansion): Synthetic foam detergents are applied where a high rate of expansion is necessary, i.e., where space is closed or confined. Such foam detergents are medium expansion and high expansion types and are produced by blending air, synthetic surfactant, and water together. High expansion foams can expand to as much as 1000 times their original volume and are suited for use in locations such as basements, aircraft hangars, mines, and tunnels where there is a need for instant volume filling to smother fires. Medium expansion foams are generally used on spill fires. The foams tend to be fluorine-free and have good environmental profiles. They have the propensity to blanket extensive areas with minimal water usage, which also makes them attractive where water damage has to be minimized.

By Application

• Oil & Gas: Oil and gas are huge users of fire foam as flammable liquid fires pose high hazards. Both the upstream and downstream processes like drilling platforms, refineries, warehouses, and shipping terminals demand foam-based systems for Class B fires. AFFF and AR-AFFF find applications extensively owing to their instant knockdown time and no-re-ignition performance. The growing move towards fluorine-free foams is also observed in this segment, fueled by green regulations and ESG policies. Due to the size and nature of fire threats in this industry, foam systems tend to be tailored with fixed and portable delivery units, keeping them ready for emergencies and meeting global safety standards.

• Aviation: Fire safety in the aviation industry focuses heavily on rapid response and effective suppression, especially during aircraft crashes, fuel spills, and hangar fires. Firefighting foam is essential in both airport rescue and firefighting (ARFF) operations and hangar protection systems. AFFF and AR-AFFF are used primarily because they spread easily on jet fuels and smother fires. Foam is mounted on fire trucks, fixed nozzle systems, and suppression tanks at airports. As PFAS concerns escalate, airports worldwide are switching to fluorine-free foams, remaining in step with evolving aviation safety standards. This segment continues to see innovation in foam performance, delivery systems, and environmental sustainability.

• Marine: Maritime applications of firefighting foam are shipboard systems, ports, and offshore platforms. Sea fires are introduced with unique challenges space limitation. limited number of means of egress, and fuel risk that require foam-based suppression. AFFF and protein foams are widely used in such applications as they possess vapor suppressing capabilities along with water compatibility. Maritime firefighting equipment needs to conform to SOLAS and IMO specifications, and the foam should perform in open spaces as well as in enclosed environments. Current tendencies involve the employment of compressed air foam systems (CAFS) and fluorine-free foams for increased security and environmental respect. The expanding offshore oil and gas operations drive demand further within this category as well.

• Mining: Mining activities, especially coal and mineral mining, are highly susceptible to fire threats because of the combustible nature of materials, diesel equipment, and electrical equipment. Firefighting foam is essential in the prevention of such risks and is extensively applied in the protection of heavy machinery, fire control on conveyor belts, and underground fire suppression. Synthetic foams especially high-expansion ones are well-liked for their rapid coverage of large areas and hence find application in shafts and tunnels. Because of the remote and inaccessible nature of mines, the foam concentrates should be stable, easy to transport, and fast to apply. Moreover, with greater emphasis on environmental concerns and limited water supply in the majority of mining sites, companies are tending increasingly towards environmentally compatible foam blends. The growing expansion of mining activities in developing regions is also driving demand for small, efficient, and light fire suppression units that perform well under challenging conditions.

• Warehouse: Warehouses store a wide variety of goods, including flammable chemicals, packaging materials, and electronics, making them vulnerable to fast-spreading fires. Firefighting foam is used to prevent fire escalation and suppress it effectively in large, high-ceiling environments. Medium-expansion synthetic foams and AR-AFFF are commonly employed depending on stored materials. Foam systems are often used in conjunction with sprinklers for higher coverage. Government agencies such as NFPA require foam suppression in certain high-hazard applications for storage. Furthermore, as global logistics and online commerce drive warehouse development, the demand for reliable and affordable foam systems is growing, particularly for facilities storing hazardous or temperature-sensitized products.

• Others: The others segment includes industrial estates, power generation plants, army bases, auto repair shops, and computer rooms. All these present unique fire hazards in terms of electrical, chemical, or liquid fuel threats. Firefighting foam applies in fixed or portable equipment according to fire load, design, and regulatory purposes. High-expansion and fluorine-free synthetic products are also gaining popularity in eco-friendly or indoor uses. The ‘others’ segment is seeing increasing demand due to increasing industrial activity and increasing focus on business continuity through fire resilience. Performance at sustainable levels that can be customized to needs through modular foam systems is particularly sought after in this segment.

By Fire Type

• Class A: Class A fires consist of combustible solids such as rubber, cloth, paper, and wood. Although water-based systems are prevalent in such fires, Class A firefighting foams complement suppression by enhancing water penetration and adhesion and therefore allowing deeper absorption into burning materials. Such foams reduce rekindling risk and water usage and hence are found suitable for use in forest fires, warehouses, and municipal fire brigades. They are often used with compressed air foam systems (CAFS) to enhance reach and performance. Eco-friendly Class A foams are also preferable in wildland fire fighting for environmental purposes. They can successfully perform using limited water supplies, adding great value in remote or drought-stricken situations.

• Class B: Class B: Class B fires include combustible liquids and fuels like alcohol, solvents, oil, and gasoline. Class B fires are extremely flammable and require specific foams such as AFFF or AR-AFFF with vapor suppression capability and surface-cooling property to avoid re-ignition. Class B fires are usually found in petroleum refineries, airports, sea docks, and chemical factories. Due to PFAS environmental protection regulations, the adoption of fluorine-free alternatives keeps increasing. Class B foam concentrates must meet stringent performance standards such as UL 162 and ICAO Level B certifications. Effective Class B fire extinguishing is mission-critical in minimizing economic loss and environmental impact in fuel-related incidents.

• Class C: Class C fires are electrical fires that include live wires, charged panels, or electronic devices. Although foam may not be the initial option due to conductivity concerns, some formulations and application modes of foam provide for safe application. For instance, high-expansion synthetic foam can extinguish a fire with little water usage, reducing the electrical conductivity. Class C applications are typical in data centers, power generation facilities, telecommunications facilities, and electric vehicle environments. Fluorine-free, non-conductive foams and clean-agent solutions are gaining traction in this market. Foams that are engineered to work in high-voltage environments are being pursued by manufacturers for firefighter protection and minimizing asset damage.

Firefighting Foam Market Impact of Recent Tariff Policies

Recent tariff regulations, particularly those targeting chemical imports and raw materials, are reshaping the global firefighting foam market. Key ingredients like fluorochemicals used in AFFF and AR-FFF have become more expensive due to these tariffs, especially across North America and Europe. As a result, producers are experiencing higher costs of production and lower profit margins. Small- to medium-scale enterprises that rely on imported products are being impacted the most, resulting in high market prices.

In response, industry stakeholders are redefining their supply chain strategy to cope with tariff-driven dislocations. Most are turning towards nearshoring or domestic procurement to limit exposure to trade volatility. This adjustment, however, poses short-term challenges such as extended lead times and increased operational expense. These trends are also hastening the transition towards sustainable and duty-free solutions, spurring the evolution of green firefighting foam technologies better suited to regulatory and economic imperatives.

Report Scope

Firefighting Foam Market Regional Analysis

The Firefighting Foam Market is segmented into various regions, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. Here is a brief overview of each region:

• North America: North America has a high market share in the firefighting foam market owing to high compliance with fire safety regulations, highly developed industrial infrastructure, and the existence of oil & gas refineries, military bases, and airports. The U.S. leads North America with significant investments placed in the aviation and energy industries, which necessitate high-performance foam systems. Additionally, organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are banning PFAS-based foams, which has resulted in the implementation of fluorine-free solutions. The region is also experiencing increasing demand for retrofit efforts across municipal firefighting services. Technological innovations in foam proportioning technology and increased emphasis on fire fighter safety also fuel market growth. Canada’s expanding mining and industrial economies also fuel regional demand for advanced and sustainable fire fighting technologies.

• Europe: Europe is an industrialized and environmentally aware market for fire foam, having strict regulations on PFAS use and fire suppression rules. The European Union has been pioneering the transition from fluorinated fire foams, leading a strong drive towards environmentally friendly, fluorine-based alternatives. Germany, France, and the UK are pioneers in adopting advanced fire foam solutions in industry, marine, and aviation use. Europe’s emphasis on green technologies and high sensitivity to occupational safety is revolutionizing foam system procurement strategies. Additionally, infrastructure development within Central and Eastern Europe, mainly logistics and warehousing, is fueling demand. The presence of global manufacturers and state-of-the-art R&D facilities within Europe strengthens innovation and regulatory compliance, and therefore the continent is at the forefront of sustainable fire protection technologies.

• Asia-Pacific: Asia-Pacific is the fastest growing region for firefighting foam market owing to rising industrialization, urbanization, and infrastructure development. Countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea are witnessing intense investment in petrochemical complexes, airports, and business centers, all demanding advanced fire protection systems. The oil & gas and mining sectors are growing extremely fast in nations like Indonesia and Australia, thereby further accelerating the demand for foam. Though regulatory environments are different, it is gaining priority to implement environmental-friendly foams as environmental concern is on the rise. Mandates from government for safety standards, increasing attention towards industrial safety, and repetitive fire accidents are encouraging public as well as private sectors to spend on effective fire-fighting foam systems. Local foam manufacturers as well as distributors have a rich base in the region.

• LAMEA: The LAMEA region is witnessing consistent growth in the market for firefighting foams, driven by intensifying oil & gas operations, developing industrial hubs, and increasing fire safety regulations. Saudi Arabia and the UAE in the Middle East are investing significantly in airports, refineries, and industrial parks, causing tremendous demand for Class B firefighting foams like AR-AFFF. Latin America, especially Mexico and Brazil, is witnessing greater acceptance of foam-based fire protection for warehousing and urban infrastructure development. Africa’s mining-hub economies, such as South Africa and Ghana, are slowly updating fire protection systems. However, market penetration is tempered by economic concerns and non-standardization in some markets. However, rising public safety awareness and foreign investment are driving long-term growth prospects.

Firefighting Foam Market Key Developments

In recent years, the Firefighting Foam Market has experienced a number of crucial changes as the players in the market strive to grow their geographical footprint and improve their product line and profits by using synergies.

• In October 2024, Halt! introduced a handheld, plant-based fire suppression spray tailored for residential and outdoor use. Its triple-action formula is designed to effectively extinguish grease, electrical, and lithium-ion battery fires. Compact, user-friendly, and environmentally safe, the spray is ideal for high-risk zones such as kitchens and outdoor grills.

• In October 2024, Firefly Fire Pumps launched India’s first indigenous Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) at the Fire India 2024 Expo in Delhi. Engineered for high-rise and industrial fire scenarios, the system produces lighter, adherent foam, reducing water consumption and improving fire suppression efficiency. It was successfully demonstrated in Mumbai, managing fire scenarios up to 150 meters.

• In November 2024, Perimeter Solutions completed its corporate redomiciliation from Luxembourg to Delaware, USA. The move is aimed at streamlining regulatory compliance, optimizing tax strategies, and reducing operating overheads while continuing operations from its Missouri-based headquarters.

• In October 2023, Fomtec announced its strategic shift toward synthetic fluorine-free foam (SFFF). Managing Director John Olav-Ottesen emphasized the importance of R&D, testing, and data-centric innovation to transition from PFAS-based foams while ensuring performance and environmental safety.

• In June 2022, Perimeter Solutions launched SOLBERG® VERSAGARD™ 1×3, an alcohol-resistant, fluorine-free pseudoplastic foam under its SOLBERG VERSAGARD line. This formulation provides a high level of fire suppression across diverse industrial scenarios.

These important changes facilitated the companies to widen their portfolios, to bolster their competitiveness, and to exploit the possibilities for growth available in the Firefighting Foam Market. This phenomenon is likely to persist since most companies are struggling to outperform their rivals in the market.

Firefighting Foam Market Competitive Landscape

The Firefighting Foam Market is highly competitive, with a large number of product providers globally. Some of the key players in the market include:

• National Foam
• ANGUS FIRE
• BIO EX S.A.S.
• Perimeter Solutions
• Dafo Fomtec AB
• Johnson Controls
• DIC Corp.
• Fabrik Chemischer Praparate von Dr. Richard Sthamber GmbH & Co. KG
• Kerr Fire
• SFFECO GLOBAL
• Solberg
• Auxquimia
• EAU SAVER
• ICL Group
• Sthamer Hamburg GmbH
• SABO FOAM
• A-FFF Foam
• Amerex Corporation.
• Others

These companies implement a series of techniques in order to penetrate the market, such as innovations, mergers and acquisitions, and collaboration.

These companies are constantly innovating with eco-friendly and efficient foam solutions such as synthetic fluorine-free foams (SFFFs) and alcohol-resistant foams to meet the demand from critical sectors like oil & gas, aviation, marine, and industrial warehousing. For instance, National Foam and Perimeter Solutions have introduced UL-listed fluorine-free foams suitable for large-scale industrial use. Meanwhile, regional firms like Auxquimia and BIO EX are expanding their footprint through tailored products for local regulatory landscapes.

Strategic moves such as joint ventures, expansion of manufacturing facilities, and launching next-gen foam systems are positioning these firms competitively across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the LAMEA regions. With the ongoing shift toward PFAS-free compliance, innovation will continue to shape competitive dynamics in this market.

The Firefighting Foam Market is segmented as follows:

By Type

• Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)
• Alcohol Resistant Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AR-FFF)
• Protein Foam (PF)
• Synthetic Detergent Foam (Medium and High Expansion)

By Application

• Oil & Gas
• Aviation
• Marine
• Mining
• Warehouse
• Others

By Fire Type

• Class A
• Class B
• Class C

Regional Coverage:

North America

• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Rest of North America

Europe

• Germany
• France
• U.K.
• Russia
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• New Zealand
• Australia
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• Rest of Asia Pacific

The Middle East & Africa

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Egypt
• Kuwait
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America