Top 10 Companies in the Cellulosic Fire Protection Industry (2024): Market Leaders Safeguarding Global Infrastructure

In Business Insights
December 08, 2025


The Global Cellulosic Fire Protection Market was valued at USD 2.85 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 4.12 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.4% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This robust growth is propelled by stringent fire safety regulations, increasing construction activities in commercial and industrial sectors, and heightened awareness of passive fire protection systems that provide critical evacuation time during emergencies.

As building codes evolve to enhance occupant safety and protect structural assets, the focus intensifies on the manufacturers pioneering advanced intumescent coating technologies. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Cellulosic Fire Protection Industry—a dynamic mix of global chemical giants, specialized coating manufacturers, and innovative material science firms shaping the future of structural fireproofing.

Download FREE Sample Report:
Cellulosic Fire Protection Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🔟 1. AkzoNobel N.V.

Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Key Offering: Chartek, Interchar, Sealmaster intumescent coatings

AkzoNobel is a global leader in performance coatings and a major player in the cellulosic fire protection segment. Its portfolio includes sophisticated thin and thick-film intumescent coatings designed for structural steel in high-rise buildings, industrial facilities, and offshore structures. The company’s R&D focuses on developing low-VOC and fast-curing formulations to meet modern environmental and application efficiency standards.

Innovation & Sustainability Focus:

  • Investment in next-generation, water-based intumescent technologies

  • Sustainable product development aligned with the company’s “People. Planet. Paint.” approach

  • Global technical support and specification services for complex projects


9️⃣ 2. The Sherwin-Williams Company

Headquarters: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: Firetex, Dataflake intumescent coatings

Sherwin-Williams offers a comprehensive range of fire protective coatings through its Firetex and Dataflake brands, renowned for their reliability in cellulosic fire scenarios. The company provides solutions for both interior and exterior steelwork, with products certified to major international fire resistance standards. Their extensive distribution network and acquisition of Valspar have solidified their global market position.

Innovation & Sustainability Focus:

  • Development of intumescent coatings with extended durability and weathering resistance

  • Focus on reducing application time and costs through innovative product formulations


8️⃣ 3. PPG Industries, Inc.

Headquarters: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Key Offering: Pitt-Char, Sigmacover intumescent coatings

PPG Industries is a leading supplier of paints, coatings, and specialty materials, with a strong presence in passive fire protection. Their cellulosic fire protection products are engineered to provide specified fire resistance ratings while meeting aesthetic requirements. PPG’s technological expertise lies in creating coatings that offer excellent adhesion and corrosion protection alongside fire resistance.

Innovation & Sustainability Focus:

  • Advancements in epoxy and water-based intumescent coating systems

  • Commitment to sustainability through product stewardship and eco-efficiency initiatives

Download FREE Sample Report:
Cellulosic Fire Protection Market – View in Detailed Research Report


7️⃣ 4. Jotun Group

Headquarters: Sandefjord, Norway
Key Offering: Steelmaster, Fenomastic intumescent coatings

Jotun is a major global supplier of protective coatings with a specialized range of products for cellulosic fire protection. The company’s solutions are designed to withstand the specific thermal attack of cellulosic fires, which involve materials like wood, paper, and textiles. Jotun’s strong focus on marine and offshore applications has driven innovations in robust fire protection systems.

Innovation & Sustainability Focus:

  • Development of fast-drying, high-build intumescent coatings for efficient application

  • Implementation of digital tools for coating specification and project management


6️⃣ 5. Hempel A/S

Headquarters: Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
Key Offering: Hempafire Pro, Hempacore intumescent coatings

Hempel provides advanced fire protection coatings that swell when exposed to heat, forming an insulating char layer that protects steel structures. Their product range covers various fire resistance durations and is tested according to international standards. Hempel’s global presence and technical expertise make them a preferred partner for major construction projects worldwide.

Innovation & Sustainability Focus:

  • Investment in R&D for more sustainable fire protection solutions

  • Focus on products with lower environmental impact and improved application properties


5️⃣ 6. RPM International Inc.

Headquarters: Medina, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: Carboline, Tremco illbruck fire protection systems

Through its subsidiary Carboline, RPM International offers a comprehensive portfolio of fire protective coatings, including innovative intumescent solutions for cellulosic fire scenarios. Their products are engineered to provide critical protection for structural steel in commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with stringent fire safety codes.

Innovation & Sustainability Focus:

  • Development of hybrid intumescent technologies for enhanced performance

  • Expansion of product lines to address evolving regulatory requirements globally


4️⃣ 7. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Masterseal, Wolman fire retardants

BASF, while primarily known as a chemical giant, offers specialized solutions in the fire protection space through its construction chemicals division. Their expertise in material science enables the development of advanced intumescent coatings and fire retardant impregnations for various substrates. BASF’s commitment to research drives continuous improvement in fire protection performance and environmental compatibility.

Innovation & Sustainability Focus:

  • Pioneering work in reactive intumescent systems and nanotechnology applications

  • Sustainability integration across product lifecycles from development to disposal


3️⃣ 8. Sika AG

Headquarters: Baar, Switzerland
Key Offering: Sikacor, Sikafloor fire protection systems

Sika has established a strong position in the construction chemicals market, offering integrated solutions that include fire protection for structural elements. Their cellulosic fire protection products are designed to work seamlessly with other Sika systems, providing comprehensive building envelope solutions. The company’s global footprint supports large-scale infrastructure projects requiring certified fire protection.

Innovation & Sustainability Focus:

  • Development of multifunctional coatings combining fire protection with other performance attributes

  • Focus on system compatibility and simplified application processes

Download FREE Sample Report:
Cellulosic Fire Protection Market – View in Detailed Research Report


2️⃣ 9. 3M Company

Headquarters: Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
Key Offering: Fire Barrier products, intumescent tapes and sheets

3M brings its material science expertise to the fire protection market with innovative products that include intumescent strips, tapes, and sheets for various applications. While not exclusively focused on structural steel protection, 3M’s solutions address critical fire stopping and compartmentation needs in buildings containing cellulosic materials. Their products are known for ease of application and reliability.

Innovation & Sustainability Focus:

  • Continuous innovation in fire barrier technologies and application methods

  • Commitment to developing products with improved environmental profiles


1️⃣ 10. Asian Paints Limited

Headquarters: Mumbai, India
Key Offering: Apco, SmartCare fire protection coatings

Asian Paints has emerged as a significant player in the protective coatings segment, including fire protection systems for the growing Asian construction market. Their product range addresses the specific needs of the region’s rapidly developing infrastructure, offering cost-effective yet reliable fire protection solutions that meet local regulatory standards while maintaining global quality benchmarks.

Innovation & Sustainability Focus:

  • Development of products suited for tropical climates and specific regional requirements

  • Expansion of technical capabilities to serve increasingly sophisticated market demands

Get Full Report Here:
Cellulosic Fire Protection Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🏗️ Outlook: The Future of Cellulosic Fire Protection Is Smarter and More Integrated

The cellulosic fire protection market is undergoing significant transformation as building safety requirements become more rigorous and construction methodologies evolve. While traditional intumescent coatings continue to dominate, the industry is investing in smarter solutions that offer enhanced performance, easier application, and better environmental profiles.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Development of thinner, more aesthetically pleasing intumescent coatings for architectural steel

  • Increasing adoption of water-based and low-VOC formulations to meet stringent environmental regulations

  • Integration of fire protection systems with Building Information Modeling (BIM) for better project planning

  • Growing demand in emerging economies due to urbanization and infrastructure development

  • Advancements in testing methodologies and performance verification of fire protection systems

Get Full Report Here:
Cellulosic Fire Protection Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only protecting structural assets—they’re driving the evolution of building safety standards worldwide through continuous innovation and technological advancement.