New development in Kibbutz Mefalsim: Fire-resistant wall paint

Fresco, a company based in Kibbutz Mefalsim in the Gaza envelope, recently introduced a groundbreaking new paint for buildings called PROTECH A1 at a conference by the Center for Local Government. This paint, with an A1 rating (the highest safety standard), is non-combustible.

Fresco specializes in developing and manufacturing advanced paints and materials for construction and infrastructure. The company has resumed full operations after its factory was seized by terrorists on October 7. PROTECH A1 joins Fresco's portfolio of flame-retardant paints and materials, a major area of expertise for the company. Additionally, Fresco leads in the field of building preservation and restoration.

The PROTECH A1 paint, developed and produced by Fresco, is suitable for all types of walls and ceilings in public spaces, offices, hospitals, schools, kindergartens, food storage facilities, living rooms (particularly children’s rooms), and more, in both new and existing buildings. It is especially ideal for projects that must comply with stringent fire regulations according to Israeli Standard 755, Classification A1, and European Standard EN 13501-1.

PROTECH A1 is an eco-friendly, mineral-based, breathable silicate paint on a water base. It is non-flammable even when exposed to direct fire, does not produce or emit smoke and toxic gases, and does not drip. It bonds strongly to the surface it is applied to and is suitable for both new and existing surfaces. The paint is highly durable, including resistance to mold and fungi, is anti-bacterial, and remains intact under harsh environmental conditions, including direct fire. It is available in various colors that do not fade over time. The paint contains no preservatives, making it extremely safe to use. It is odorless, water and dust-repellent, and resistant to acid rain, smoke, and industrial emissions. It has a matte finish and high coverage capability.

Doesn't Participate in the Event

Ran Shelef, a fire science expert and consultant for Fresco, said, "The new PROTECH A1 paint is unique in the country and its revolutionary feature is that during a fire, it 'does not participate in the event,' meaning it does not burn at all and remains neutral. This reduces the accumulation of toxins in the burning room. The paint does not contain petroleum-derived organic materials, which, when heated or burned, emit very dangerous fumes into the environment.

Regulations require using materials with the highest safety classification in certain places, such as hospital lobbies, high-rise towers, and school entrance halls, which serve as passageways for people escaping the building during a fire. Unfortunately, until now, this issue had not been addressed as there was no paint meeting the stringent required standards. Now, there is such a material, the only one that meets the A1 standard requirements at the Israeli Standards Institute, based on Israeli and European standards (Israeli Standard 921, Amendment No. 6 from October 2020), allowing compliance with the highest safety requirements.

The paint is intended for the institutional market, and Fresco serves as a consultant and professional guide for projects regarding material and paint selection and on-site application