Product novelty 29. September 2026
New Maxxam™ NHFR Polyolefin Formulations Achieve UL 94 5VA Rating at 2.0 mm
Avient introduces new Maxxam™ NHFR Non-Halogen Flame Retardant Polyolefin Formulations. The new formulations can achieve UL 94 5VA ratings at thicknesses as low as 2.0 mm — the highest level of UL 94 flame classification — helping manufacturers of unmonitored household appliances meet increasing global fire-safety standards, including IEC 60335 and UL 60335. At the same time, environmental regulations and customer preferences are mounting pressure to move away from halogenated chemistry and from flame-retardant and anti-dripping systems containing per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Across major appliance categories — from refrigeration and cooking to HVAC and laundry — fire risk is drawing intensified regulatory scrutiny. Electrification, the proliferation of smart appliances, and rising power densities have accelerated the pace at which original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) must advance their flame-retardant material specifications. Regulatory bodies in Europe and North America have strengthened compliance frameworks—most notably through IEC 60335-2-24, which mandates enhanced fire-safety performance for refrigerating appliances. OEMs are increasingly moving beyond basic V-0-rated materials to 5VA-rated alternatives that offer the highest UL 94 flame classification.
“The breakthrough with these formulations is achieving UL 94 5VA flame performance at thicknesses as low as 2.0 mm," said Hermann Fuechter, Senior Manager, Global Strategic Marketing, Specialty Engineered Materials at Avient. "This capability provides appliance manufacturers with greater design flexibility — they can optimize part geometry, reduce wall sections where needed, and pursue metal-to-plastic conversion opportunities that weren't previously feasible with traditional flame-retardant materials. Combined with our non-halogenated chemistry and stable processing characteristics, these materials give OEMs the freedom to innovate while meeting the highest fire-safety standards."
Across major appliance categories — from refrigeration and cooking to HVAC and laundry — fire risk is drawing intensified regulatory scrutiny. Electrification, the proliferation of smart appliances, and rising power densities have accelerated the pace at which original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) must advance their flame-retardant material specifications. Regulatory bodies in Europe and North America have strengthened compliance frameworks—most notably through IEC 60335-2-24, which mandates enhanced fire-safety performance for refrigerating appliances. OEMs are increasingly moving beyond basic V-0-rated materials to 5VA-rated alternatives that offer the highest UL 94 flame classification.
“The breakthrough with these formulations is achieving UL 94 5VA flame performance at thicknesses as low as 2.0 mm," said Hermann Fuechter, Senior Manager, Global Strategic Marketing, Specialty Engineered Materials at Avient. "This capability provides appliance manufacturers with greater design flexibility — they can optimize part geometry, reduce wall sections where needed, and pursue metal-to-plastic conversion opportunities that weren't previously feasible with traditional flame-retardant materials. Combined with our non-halogenated chemistry and stable processing characteristics, these materials give OEMs the freedom to innovate while meeting the highest fire-safety standards."
Avient
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Ms. Holly Taylor