Kurita Water Industries Ltd. has entered into a joint research and development (R&D) agreement with the Tokyo Fire Department to address a growing global safety challenge: fires caused by lithium-ion batteries. The agreement, signed on May 21, 2026, marks Kurita’s participation in the “Tokyo Fire Department INNOVATION PROJECT“, a public initiative focused on advancing fire safety technologies.
As the use of lithium-ion batteries continues to expand across smartphones, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems, battery-related fire incidents are rising. Traditional fire-extinguishing methods, such as powder or gas-based agents, have proven insufficient in effectively cooling batteries and preventing re-ignition.
To address this issue, Kurita has been developing an innovative fire-extinguishing agent specifically designed for lithium-ion battery fires, leveraging its extensive expertise in water treatment technologies. The formulation is free from PFAS, phosphorus, and ammonia, and is designed to suppress the chemical reactions that sustain combustion, reducing the likelihood of reignition.
Through this collaboration, Kurita and the Tokyo Fire Department will conduct joint testing to validate the effectiveness of the agent and explore its practical application in firefighting equipment. The solution is expected to support a wide range of use cases, including emergency response, residential extinguishers, public transport systems, and industrial environments such as battery manufacturing and energy storage facilities.
This initiative reflects Kurita’s commitment to applying its “Water Intelligence” to emerging societal challenges. By advancing innovative safety solutions, the company aims to contribute to the realization of a safer and more sustainable future.