Pune, India | September 04, 2025
Hempel has launched a major innovation in passive fire protection with Hempafire Extreme 550. This next-generation epoxy intumescent coating offers up to four hours of fire resistance for structural steel exposed to cellulosic fire conditions. The launch marks a significant step forward in enhancing fire safety and promoting environmental sustainability. Moreover, it effectively addresses the growing demands of both industrial and commercial construction sectors.
Hempafire Extreme 550 does more than protect structural steel. It gives architects and engineers the flexibility to rethink conventional design strategies. By enabling the use of slimmer steel profiles without compromising fire resistance, the coating significantly improves material efficiency. Consequently, it helps reduce overall construction costs. It not only meets fire safety regulations but also exceeds them—delivering extended evacuation times and enhanced structural integrity during fire incidents.
Hempel engineered the coating with long-term durability in mind. It resists both physical impact and harsh environmental exposure. Even in highly corrosive C5 environments—often found in marine and industrial settings—it retains its fire-protective properties for more than 25 years. Furthermore, unlike traditional solvent-based coatings, Hempafire Extreme 550 is entirely solvent-free. This innovation dramatically reduces VOC emissions and cuts embedded carbon by up to 40%. As a result, the product is particularly attractive to developers focused on sustainability.
In addition to its performance, ease of application is a standout feature. Thanks to its high-build formulation, applicators can achieve thicker coverage with fewer coats. This leads to faster project timelines, reduced labor costs, and minimized material waste. Additionally, the coating cures quickly—reaching handling strength within 24 hours at 20°C. Therefore, teams can progress more rapidly on complex construction projects without delays.
At the product launch, Roger Soler, Group Product Manager at Hempel, described Hempafire Extreme 550 as a “game-changer.” He emphasized its dependable performance at every stage of the project lifecycle. By blending the strength of epoxy systems with the ease-of-use typical of water-based solutions, Hempel has created a product tailored to the real-world needs of designers, specifiers, and applicators alike.
Furthermore, the coating offers excellent aesthetic flexibility. Hempafire Extreme 550 works seamlessly with a wide variety of topcoats and finishes. It supports architectural-grade coatings in virtually any color or gloss level. This allows architects to maintain fire safety without compromising their design vision—an uncommon benefit in fire protection systems.
Specifiers also gain significant advantages. The product’s compatibility with a wide range of steel profiles simplifies product selection and streamlines project planning. To further assist in the design phase, Hempel provides HEET Dynamic, a proprietary software tool. This enables teams to model fire protection needs more accurately and efficiently.
On construction sites, performance feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Applicators report smooth, consistent application and minimal damage during handling and transport. As a result, the need for touch-ups is reduced, which helps keep projects on time and within budget. In addition, the coating’s solvent-free formula improves job site safety by eliminating exposure to flammable solvents and harmful VOCs.
To ensure widespread acceptance, Hempel has secured independent certifications for Hempafire Extreme 550. These include compliance with EN 13381, BS 476, and AS 4100 fire protection standards. The product also holds an official Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). These certifications reinforce its credibility, confirming both its safety and its reduced environmental impact. Therefore, stakeholders committed to compliance and sustainability can confidently include it in their projects.
As structural steel continues to dominate infrastructure and high-rise construction, demand for durable, high-performing, and eco-friendly fire protection solutions is increasing. Hempafire Extreme 550 meets these evolving needs through a powerful combination of resilience, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
Ultimately, Hempel’s latest innovation does more than meet expectations—it sets a new benchmark for the industry. Hempafire Extreme 550 exemplifies Hempel’s mission to protect lives, preserve essential infrastructure, and promote sustainable building practices. Through forward-looking, practical solutions like this, Hempel continues to redefine what’s possible in protective coatings—layer by layer.
About the Author
