Jun 17,2025

Pinfa China Ancient Building Fire Safety Forum: Building a Firewall for Historical Treasures and Exploring the Future of Flame Retardant Technology

Original article by Pinfa China Halogen-Free Flame Retardants December 2, 2024, 5:30 PM, Shanghai


On November 28, 2024, a themed forum focusing on fire safety for ancient buildings was launched by the West Lake in Hangzhou. Organized by Pinfa China, the forum received strong support and assistance from its member organizations.

In this picturesque city, renowned experts and key leaders in the field of ancient building preservation, along with top technical pioneers from the flame retardant industry, gathered to share their insights. They delivered fascinating presentations on key topics within the field and engaged in dynamic high-level dialogues. The forum aimed to explore how modern flame retardant technologies and products could integrate into and support the noble cause of protecting China’s ancient architectural heritage.

The event officially commenced with a warm and inspiring opening speech by Zhou Kan, General Manager of Polyrocks.

Opening Speech: Zhou Kan, General Manager of Polyrocks

 

The first keynote speaker, Xiao Zenan, Director of the Fire Protection Research Office for Cultural Heritage Buildings at the China Academy of Building Research, delivered an in-depth report titled “Fire Safety Improvement in the Revitalization of Historic and Cultural Districts.”

“Fire Safety Improvement in the Revitalization of Historic and Cultural Districts”

Xiao Zenan, Director of Fire Protection Research Office for Cultural Heritage Buildings, China Academy of Building Research

 

Next, Sebastian Moschel, Technical Business Development Manager PFP at Clariant, presented a talk titled “Protecting Wood: Enhancing Structural Safety with Fireproof Coatings,” emphasizing the critical role of fireproof coatings in ensuring the safety of building structures.

“Protecting Wood: Enhancing Structural Safety with Fireproof Coatings”

Sebastian Moschel, Technical Business Development Manager PFP, Clariant

 

Finally, Che Tong, Director of the Architectural Design and Research Institute, XUAT Co., Ltd., delivered a forward-looking presentation titled “A Prospective Look at Fire Safety Along the Ancient and Modern Silk Road,” blending historical perspectives with future applications of fire safety in innovative practices.

“A Prospective Look at Fire Safety Along the Ancient and Modern Silk Road”

Che Tong, Director of Architectural Design and Research Institute, XUAT Co., Ltd.

 

After the three keynote presentations, the discussion on-site became highly engaging and dynamic. Zhou Weijie, Executive Chairman of Pinfa China; Professor Xu Xiaonan, a renowned fire safety expert; Xiao Zenan, Director of the Fire Protection Research Office for Cultural Heritage Buildings at the China Academy of Building Research; Zhou Kan, General Manager of Polyrocks; and Che Tong, Director of the Architectural Design and Research Institute, XUAT Co., Ltd. participated in an in-depth exchange centered on the topic of “Trends, Standards, and Requirements for Fire Safety in Ancient Timber Buildin

gs.” The dialogue aimed to address the emerging challenges in the fire safety of ancient buildings, sparking extensive and insightful discussions among participants and fully energizing the audience.

“Trends, Standards, and Requirements for Fire Safety in Ancient Timber Buildings”

 

In the afternoon, Liu Xueyun, Honorary Chair of Pinfa China, delivered a speech, extending a warm welcome and sincere gratitude to all attendees. She called on professionals from various fields to work together to advance the critical 

topic of fire safety for ancient buildings. This was followed by a plaque presentation ceremony between Pinfa China and Zhejiang Wansheng, symbolizing their joint commitment to a brighter future.

Speech: Liu Xueyun, Honorary Chair of Pinfa China

Plaque Presentation Ceremony

 

In addition, Professor Cao Kun from Zhejiang University and Hu Tao, General Manager of Helwe, respectively delivered reports titled “Recent Advances in Transparent Flame Retardant Coatings for Wooden Structures” and “High-Performance Fireproof Materials Supporting the Prevention of Electrical Fires in Historic and Cultural Districts and Buildings,” bringing more cutting-edge insights and inspiration to the attendees.

“Recent Advances in Transparent Flame Retardant Coatings for Wooden Structures”

Professor Cao Kun, Zhejiang University

“High-Performance Fireproof Materials Supporting the Prevention of Electrical Fires in Historic and Cultural Districts and Buildings”

Hu Tao, General Manager of Helwe

 

Following this, Dr. Noelia Mansilla, Executive Vice President of Budenheim’s Materials Science Division, and Cao Xin, Innovation & Application Development Manager (Asia-Pacific) at Budenheim Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd., jointly took the stage to deliver a compelling presentation titled “Fire Protection Solutions for Wooden Buildings,” sharing advanced technologies and innovative ideas.

“Fire Protection Solutions for Wooden Buildings”

Dr. Noelia Mansilla, Executive Vice President of Materials Science Division, Budenheim

“Fire Protection Solutions for Wooden Buildings”

Cao Xin, Innovation & Application Development Manager (Asia-Pacific) at Budenheim Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd.

 

A high-profile panel discussion on “Fire Safety Design, Material Selection, and Applications for Ancient Timber Buildings” also attracted significant attention. Industry leaders, including Liu Xueyun, Honorary Chair of Pinfa China; Sebastian Moschel, Technical Business Development Manager PFP at Clariant; Cao Xin, Innovation & Application Development Manager (Asia-Pacific) at Budenheim Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd.; Professor Cao Kun from Zhejiang University; and Hu Tao, General Manager of Helwe, gathered to exchange views. Their intellectual exchanges injected new vitality and inspiration into the industry.

“Fire Safety Design, Material Selection, and Applications for Ancient Timber Buildings”

 

As the rigorous and professional forum activities concluded successfully,

attendees moved to a historic cultural district

for an immersive field study.

Strolling through the traditional, history-rich streets,

participants gained a deeper understanding of the importance of strengthening fire safety measures for ancient buildings.

Looking to the future, fire safety for ancient buildings is poised for even greater development opportunities.

Through the joint efforts of all parties, we look forward to building a solid firewall for the protection and preservation of ancient buildings by advancing innovation in halogen-free flame retardant technology, material development, and the refinement of design standards. May the treasures of history continue to shine through the ages, preserving the legacy of culture for generations to come.


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