Encaps Pty Ltd

Basic Information

Applicant Type: Organisation

Organisation Name: Encaps Pty Ltd

Main Questions

Problem Solution

ENCAPS is an Australian distributor of various fire suppression products including F-500 Encapsulator Agent. We are currently engaging with several councils and waste service providers seeking solutions to the growing risk of lithium battery fires, therefore we are excited by the Challenge Waste opportunity and look forward to engaging with WIRQ.

Problem and Market:
Waste transfer vehicles and recycling facilities today face significantly different challenges compared to five or ten years ago. The widespread use of lithium-ion batteries in everyday electronics means that inevitably, some of these batteries end up in waste streams.
The batteries from items such as vapes, power tools and e-scooters can be easily damaged during processing. If the battery is compromised, it may enter thermal runaway - a chain reaction that leads to high heat, flammable vapours, toxic smoke and potentially explosive fires. These fires are extremely difficult to control and present a danger to life, infrastructure and the environment. Whilst prevention of batteries entering our waste is a priority, our proposal assumes that until there are systems and processes in place to prevent this, these fires will continue and therefore our solutions are focussed on safe fire suppression. Through consultation with numerous councils and waste operators, it is our understanding that once there is a fire detected in a waste transfer vehicle, the rubbish will need to be unloaded at the nearest safest point. Our proposal focusses on an eco-friendly suppression solution once this occurs, or if the fire occurs at a landfill site.

Proposed Solution: F-500 ENCAPSULATION AGENT
Recognised by the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), F-500 Encapsulator Agent offers a modern, science-based approach to fire suppression that surpasses the limitations of water or foam-based systems.
ENCAPS, together with our industry partners, recommends a fire mitigation strategy with F-500 EA as the central component.

Key benefits of F-500 EA include:
• Encapsulation of fuel molecules, reducing the risk of re-ignition.
• Rapid cooling of heat sources - up to 20 times more effective than water alone.
• Suppression of toxic gases and smoke, including those from lithium-ion battery fires.
• Significantly reduced runoff, thanks to the smaller volumes of water required.
• Superior penetration into deep-seated and near-surface fires, especially in landfill environments.
• Odour suppression and effective clean-up of chemical or fuel spills.

F-500 EA is uniquely suited to handle a broad range of fire classes, including A, B, C, D, and F, making it ideal for mixed-waste environments such as landfills. Unlike foam, which remains on the surface, or water, which produces toxic runoff without effective cooling, F-500 EA penetrates deep into waste piles, neutralising the fire at its core and rendering the area non-combustible.
See Appendix 1 for videos explaining the science behind F-500 EA and some demonstrations of its effectiveness on lithium-ion battery fires.

Environmental and Operational Benefits
F-500 EA is:
• 100% biodegradable
• Non-toxic and non-corrosive
• Free from PFAS, PFOA, and fluorinated compounds

Available in concentrate or fire extinguisher form.

Impact

ENCAPS presents five options for consideration as follows:

1. Portable F-500 EA Fire Extinguishers
This option involves the deployment of water based fire extinguishers containing a 3% solution of F-500 Encapsulator Agent. These extinguishers allow for an immediate, first-response capability to lithium battery fires in collection vehicles and waste facilities (landfill).

• Cost-effective and readily available - this is a practical solution for workplace safety, offering protection to vehicle operators or staff at landfill sites.
• F-500 EA extinguishers are internationally recognised as the leading environmentally friendly solution for extinguishing lithium battery fires.
• Traditional fire extinguishers are ineffective against lithium battery fires. F-500 EA is the exception.
• F-500 EA is a multi-class agent effective against Class A, B, C, D, and F fires, including complex hazards like three-dimensional and flowing fuel fires.
• An option of 2 x 45 Litre or 1 x 90 Litre extinguisher with longer hose mounted on vehicle is also available if there is adequate space to mount.

2. Mounted Fire Fighting Sprayer with Hose Reel
This option involves an appropriately sized 200-300L spray unit pre-filled with a 3% solution of F-500 EA and water. The unit includes a pump and a 15 -20 metre hose reel, mounted in an accessible location on the transfer vehicle.
• Operators can deploy the solution from a safe distance to suppress the fire before the arrival of emergency services.
• This solution enables immediate action, and the F-500 EA will suppress flames, encapsulate toxic smoke, and act as a fire retardant to help prevent the fire from spreading.

3. Portable Fire Fighting Sprayer with Hose Reel
As per above, however located at the waste facility/landfill site on the back of a ute or in the trailer form.
• Most councils/waste facilities may already own a sprayer that can be utilised, it just needs the F-500 EA added at 3% in readiness for any fire.

4. Recovery Drum - at landfill or recycling facility
This option is designed to add reassurance that the lithium-ion battery will not reignite after initial suppression.
• Position a 44 Gallon steel drum with 3% F-500 EA and water at a safe location. Once the battery has been extinguished by other means, use a safe method to relocate it into the drum. This method is currently used by numerous mobility companies at their charging bays. A reference from Beam Mobility is attached.

5. Integrated Fire Suppression Systems (Concept Design)
This option considers the installation of BLAZECUT fire suppression systems filled with a 3% F-500 EA solution on collection vehicles.
• The Blazecut Cylinder Series, once activated by the operator upon fire detection, will discharge F-500 EA onto the waste as it is dumped, helping to suppress the fire at its critical early stage.
• Concept designs currently suggest cylinder placement at the front of, or under the vehicle, with pipework running over the bin and sprinkler heads positioned at the rear ejection point, allowing for targeted application.

Business Model

Encaps Pty Ltd, together with our partners, proposes a practical, scalable solution centred around F-500 Encapsulator Agent. Our solution includes a mix of commercially available suppression tools and emerging innovations, designed specifically to operate in rugged waste-handling environments.
F-500 EA is manufactured by Hazard Control Technologies in the United States and has been on the market of over 27 years. The product has gained significant exposure in recent years with its proven effectiveness on lithium-ion battery fires. It is used by most of the major EV car manufacturers and many fire brigades and HAZMAT response units around the world. Visit HCT’s website for more information HCT Website
Over the past 15 years, F-500 EA has been tested extensively for its effectiveness on lithium battery fires. Refer to the attached document for the detailed analysis of this testing.
F-500 EA has only been available in Australia in recent years and is used extensively on many mine sites in WA for fire mitigation, vapour control and coal dust suppression.

Business Model
The waste industry urgently needs fit-for-purpose fire suppression options. Waste operators that we have consulted with report that once a fire starts in a transfer vehicle, standard protocol is to dump the load in an open or cleared space - often placing staff and equipment at risk. Current suppression methods using water or foam are ineffective for lithium-ion battery fires and often contribute to environmental harm through runoff or chemical residue.

There is also no consistent nationwide standard or toolkit for managing these high-risk fire events. Councils and private waste operators are actively looking for proven, deployable technology that fits within operational and regulatory frameworks. This creates an ideal opportunity for trial and demonstration under the Challenge Waste program.

Proposed Approach
Our proposal involves conducting site trials at participating WRIQ member sites with a range of vehicle-mounted, handheld and static suppression solutions using F-500 EA. These include:
- Fire extinguishers with 3% F-500 EA
- Vehicle-mounted 200 - 300L hose reel units
- Portable trailer/ute-based sprayers for landfill
- Recovery drums for safe temporary storage of compromised batteries post-incident
- A conceptual integrated suppression system using Blazecut technology (with F-500 EA)

Each site trial will be monitored for performance, ease of use, deployment speed, and effectiveness. Operators will receive basic training, and post-incident assessments will be conducted.

Value Proposition
The value of our solution lies in a balance of safety, environmental protection and operational simplicity:

• Immediate deployment: Several of our solutions are ready to go, with training provided.
• Cost-effective scalability: From handheld extinguishers to truck-mounted units, options exist for all budgets.
• Eco-responsibility: F-500 EA is PFAS-free, non-toxic, biodegradable and requires considerably less water, minimizing the environmental impact.
• Reduced liability: Safer, faster suppression reduces downtime, equipment damage, and exposure risk for staff.
A lithium battery fire can shut down a waste facility or damage a transfer vehicle costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. Our investment in suppression equipment is minimal by comparison.

Additional Benefit: Odour Management
F-500 Encapsulator Agent works on a molecular level by surrounding and isolating hydrocarbon molecules, such as those found in fuels, oils and decomposing organic waste, through a process called micelle encapsulation. When applied to odour-producing substances, F-500 EA quickly bonds with volatile hydrocarbon compounds, neutralising their ability to vapourise into the air. This action significantly reduces the release of offensive odours typically encountered in waste processing and landfill operations.

Additional Benefit: Fuel and Chemical Spills
F-500 Encapsulator Agent is also effective in managing fuel and chemical spills due to its ability to encapsulate the hydrocarbon molecules on contact. When applied to a spill, the agent forms micelles that surround and isolate the hydrocarbon chains, effectively neutralising their flammability and preventing further vapourisation. This process not only reduces the risk of ignition but also suppresses harmful fumes, making the spill safer to handle. Unlike traditional absorbents that simply soak up the liquid, F-500 EA chemically alters the behaviour of the spilled substance, rendering it non-combustible and significantly less hazardous. This makes it an ideal choice for rapid, safe cleanup of petrol, diesel, solvents and other hydrocarbon-based chemicals in industrial, transport and waste management settings.

Outcome and Future Impact
With this business case, we are not asking for extensive investment, development time or speculative research. We are seeking to validate known technology in new contexts, using controlled trials. This is a low-risk, high-impact investment that could deliver immediate and long-lasting value to the waste sector.

The result will be field-tested fire suppression systems tailored for the waste and recycling industry - an outcome that can be standardised nationally across local government and private operators.

F-500 EA is 100% Biodegradable, non-toxic, non-corrosive and PFAS Free.

F-500 EA has a 15 year shelf life in concentrate form.

Market Readiness

ENCAPS is already an existing distributor of F-500 EA and various other fire suppression products within Australian to various industries including agriculture, mining, energy and logistics. This project extends our proven technologies into the waste and recycling sector, with a particular focus on lithium-ion battery fire risk.

Of the five solutions proposed, four are essentially already market-ready. One (Blazecut integrated suppression) is in concept design, requiring only modest R&D and field validation. Together, these technologies form a comprehensive, flexible suppression strategy adaptable to most waste transfer and landfill operations.

1. F-500 EA Fire Extinguishers
Market Status: Commercially available
Availability: 9 Litre and 4 Litre stock is on hand with a regular replenishment pipeline active. 45/90 Litre limited immediate stock, however only a 5-6 week lead time if required.
Deployment: Sold to industrial, agricultural and electrical sectors nationally.
Distribution: Via Encaps direct or via nationally recognised partners.

These extinguishers are ideal for mobile and fixed use, effective against lithium fires and a wide range of fire types (A, B, C, D, F). They are an affordable way to bring immediate lithium fire suppression capability to waste vehicles and facilities.

Market Fit:
- Simple to use with minimal training.
- Ideal for early-stage incidents.
- Suits vehicle cabins or under waste bins, or at any site as per typical extinguisher positioning.

See Appendix 2 for images.

2. Vehicle-Mounted Spray Units with 3% F-500 EA Solution
Market Status: Standard sizes are readily available via various 3rd parties (Silvan, TTI etc). If customised option required then approx 3 month wait.
Components: 200 – 300 Litre poly tank, pump, 15 - 20m hose, prefilled with 3% F-500 EA and water.

Operational Benefits:
- Allows fire suppression from safe distance
- Gives driver or spotter critical minutes to control fire
- Significantly reduces size and spread before fire brigade arrives

Market Fit:
- Easily retrofitted to existing trucks if space available
- Can be installed by any standard contractor
- Compatible with spill cleanup and decontamination

See Appendix 2 for images.

3. Portable Sprayers (Ute/Trailer Mounted) with 3% F-500 EA solution
Market Status: Commercially available via various 3rd parties (Silvan, TTI etc)
Use Case: Landfill site emergency response, fixed waste bays

Key Features:
- Portable and flexible
- Already compatible with existing council-owned sprayers
- F-500 EA simply added at 3% concentration for any type typical landfill fire

Market Fit:
- Cost effective
- Useful for both fire and spill response
- Refillable and maintainable with basic tools and resources

See Appendix 2 for images.

4. Battery Recovery Drums
Market Status: Already in use by private EV and mobility operators
Use Case: Secure temporary storage of compromised lithium-ion batteries post-fire
Components: 44-gallon steel drum prefilled with F-500 EA 3% solution
Partners: Beam Mobility (reference available)

Operational Fit:
- Ensures thermal runaway does not reignite
- Minimal training required
- Fire services support this practice for battery incidents

Market Fit:
- Easy to deploy and replace
- Low-cost mitigation tool with high safety impact

See Appendix 2 for images.

5. BLAZECUT Integrated Suppression (Concept Only)
Market Status: Conceptual; based on proven tube suppression installation with other similar vehicles worldwide
Current Use: Automotive, marine, data cabinets
Project Aim: Adapt for the rear of waste vehicles with F-500 EA delivered via proven spray technology

Development Path:
- Vehicle modelling with industry experts, therefore access to a waste transfer vehicle is required to test the system for coverage and effectiveness.
- Finalise cylinder sizes, routing and nozzle design
- Compliance and test certifications

Estimated Time to Market: 2 - 3 months
Barrier to Entry: Low - using off-the-shelf components with adjusted layout
Opportunity: WRIQ trial partners can be first to access this innovation

See Appendix 2 for images and drawing.

Readiness Summary
Solution Market Status Barriers Timeline
F-500 EA Extinguishers Ready None Immediate
Vehicle Sprayers/F-500 EA Consultation/design Design limitations 3 months if customised
Portable Sprayers/F-500 EA Ready None Immediate
Recovery Drums Ready WHS Requirements Immediate
Blazecut Integrated System Consultation/Design Design limitations 2 - 3 months

Delivery and Distribution
Encaps and industry partners will manage product deployment, training and support:
• F-500 EA and Blazecut product distribution direct to nominated sites
• Portable Spray units can be purchase direct from current preferred suppliers or the manufacturers. (ENCAPS has strong business relationships with various suppliers so can assist with referral).
• Operator and WHS training included
• Custom signage, labels, SDS and SOPs available upon request

Budget Pricing
The below budget pricing is as accurate as possible at time of submission. The portable sprayer and Blazecut solutions are subject to design variables hence the broad estimate range.

All prices exclude GST and delivery charges.

F-500 EA 4 Litre Extinguishers – per unit (excludes vehicle mounting bracket) $270
F-500 EA 9 Litre Extinguishers – per unit (excludes vehicle mounting bracket) $320
F-500 EA 45 Litre Extinguishers – per unit (excludes vehicle mounting bracket) $1,990
F-500 EA 90 Litre Extinguishers – per unit (excludes vehicle mounting bracket) $3,850
F-500 EA 20 Litre Container of Concentrate (15 year shelf life) $1,750
F-500 EA 200 Litre Container of Concentrate (15 year shelf life) $15,750
Vehicle Mounted Sprayer with pump and hose reel (200-300 Litres) 3rd party pricing $2,500 - $3,000
Portable Sprayer with pump and hose reel (500L) 3rd party pricing $6,500 - $7,500
Portable Sprayer with pump and hose reel (1,000L) 3rd party pricing $7,000 - $9,000
Recovery Drums (excluding the F-500 EA concentrate + water) $0 - $250
Blazecut Integrated System – approximate budget price (supply only) $5,000

Conclusion
ENCAPS and its partners are ready to deliver lithium battery fire suppression solutions that are field-tested, environmentally safe, and scalable. With the support of WRIQ and Challenge Waste, we can demonstrate their performance in the waste sector, generating data and confidence to enable state rollout.

This isn’t a speculative research project - it’s a field validation of proven tools for an urgent and growing fire risk. We offer some immediate, cost effective solutions, as well as longer term Blazecut transfer vehicle solutions that could revolutionalise the industry.
We’re ready to go and would welcome the opportunity to present our solutions in person when required.
Thank you for the opportunity.
Peter Jefferies

Team

Although ENCAPS is a reasonably new business, the owners, Chris Chester and Peter Jefferies each have 20 years' commercial experience and project delivery success. Aside from ENCAPS, Chris also runs a highly successful business called Bullex Australia which is the leading provider of Fire Training equipment and large scale training props in Australasia. Bullex currently has contracts delivering projects to Western Sydney Airport, Melbourne Airport, CFA Victoria, RFS and various organisations throughout Queensland, just to name a few. F-500 EA was presented to Chris via his dealings in this industry, hence the establishment of ENCAPS to focus on national distribution. More information about Bullex can be found here. https://bullexaustralia.com.au/

Peter Jefferies is the former CEO of Rhino Water Tanks (which was acquired by Kingspan) and was responsible for the delivery of many multi-million dollar projects in the mining, agriculture, civil and water infrastructure sectors. Peter was the national Fire Tank representative on the FPAA technical advisory committee for over 10 years and was heavily involved in drafting and revising several Australian Standards related to Fire Tanks. Since establishing ENCAPS, Peter has untilised his previous industry connections to set up supply agreements with numerous agricultural and industry networks such as Nutrien Ag, CRT, Elders, fire equipment resellers etc.

ENCAPS has direct access to F-500 EA from the only importer in Australasia, who deals directly with the manufacturer Hazard Control Technologies.

Blazecut is an Australian owned business that has been in operation for over 10 years and supplies their T and C series into over 70 countries. ENCAPS is a national distributor of their range of products and is currently in negotiations with several forklift, golf and civil companies to roll out the Blazecut system.
For more information about past projects on various large machines and automobiles visit www.blazecut.com

If WRIQ chooses to take on the options involving portable or mounted firefighting sprayers, we would highly recommend dealing directly with the main manufacturers of these units to avoid reseller markups. Peter has a long term business relationship with the owner of Silvan and also a sound understanding of the TTI organisation and product range, therefore he can facilitate future purchase arrangements if required.

In summary, ENCAPS and our industry partners have many years of experience in negotiating with mining companies, councils, civil contractors and commercial builders to successfully deliver projects. Should you require further details, don't hesitate to ask.