U.S. Borax, part of Rio Tinto, is a new member of pinfa-NA (pinfa North America). Borax is a global leader in the supply and science of borates: naturally occurring minerals containing boron and other elements. US Borax supplies 30% of the world’s demand for refined borates from its mine in Boron, California, about 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles. Boron-based products are used in a variety of applications in agriculture, glass, ceramics, metals, industrial fluids, oil/gas, nuclear, wood preservation, cleaners/detergents and fire retardancy. U.S. Borax’s line of zinc borate products are unique zinc borates that combine beneficial effects of zinc and boron oxides. They are multi-functional fire retardants for polymers and can be used in applications such as construction products, electrical/electronics, transportation (aviation and mass transit), fabrics and industrial coatings. By joining pinfa-NA, Borax will stay up to date on new fire retardant regulations and technological developments and be part of the halogen free FR community.