BlazeBalm(tm) is a new class of wildfire asset protection: a fire-retardant membrane made entirely from nature-derived materials. It is \>95% bio-based, PFAS-free, plastic-free and fully compostable. Developed using food-grade biotechnology and upcycled UK bio-based feedstocks, the membrane delivers high fire resistance without the persistent chemicals and petrochemicals that have dominated wildfire response to date. Wildfire is a global, concurrent risk. Around 6% of Earth's land area---approximately 770 million hectares---burns each year. At any one time, conservative estimates suggest roughly 300 million people are directly wildfire-threatened. Today's market lacks a truly circular, environmentally benign solution that delivers robust fire performance and can be produced responsibly close to where it is needed, including in off-grid contexts. As a world-first product, BlazeBalm does not have an off-the-shelf manufacturing model. This project will establish the feasibility of a pilot manufacturing line that is mechanised, decentralised and low-energy. Our immediate beachhead market is the US insurance sector, where carrier-led pilots will support real-world evaluation and scaling. In parallel, through this project, we will prototype an insurer-facing deployment app. This project will demonstrate that high-performance wildfire resilience and asset protection can be achieved with bio-based, compostable materials and a production footprint aligned with resilience and sustainability.

As wildfires grow in frequency and severity worldwide, they are devastating ecosystems, endangering lives, and causing mounting economic losses. The global wildfire retardant industry, dominated by multinational corporations, continues to rely on harmful chemical formulations—despite widespread concerns about their toxicity, water contamination, and long-term environmental impact. BlazeBalm™ offers a radically different approach. Developed by Deer Manor in Dumfries and Galloway, BlazeBalm™ comprises two innovative, bio-based wildfire solutions: a long-lasting retardant and a fast-acting suppressant. Using agricultural and aquaculture waste combined with low-tech biotechnology, BlazeBalm™ delivers powerful wildfire protection that is both effective and environmentally responsible. This project will evolve BlazeBalm™ from a successful prototype into a market-ready product. Its formulations will be optimised for durability, adhesion, and fire resistance, while ensuring safety for aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Testing with IBioIC member Impact Solutions—through their UKAS-accredited biodegradability and weathering facilities—will validate performance under industry-standard conditions. Internal trials at Deer Manor will support iterative refinements and cost-effective development. In tandem, the project will expand production using Deer Manor’s rural infrastructure and sustainably sourced feedstocks, supported by the Zero Waste Scotland and IBioIC networks. This will contribute to Scotland’s bioeconomy goals and create skilled opportunities in a remote, underserved region. With billions spent annually on wildfire management globally, and rising demand for safer, sustainable solutions across the UK, US, Europe, and Australia, BlazeBalm™ has substantial commercial potential. An IPO-backed patent audit has confirmed its novelty and patentability, supporting phased protection for domestic and international markets. This project offers exceptional value for public funding—catalysing a new class of climate-safe fire products rooted in biotechnology and circular economy principles. BlazeBalm™ positions Scotland as a global leader in wildfire innovation and supports the urgent transition toward sustainable fire resilience.