Sustainable foam materials
In addition to sustainable materials such as recycled composite foam, we also process sustainable foams. Conventional foam is petroleum-based. The aim of sustainable foam materials is to reduce the proportion of petroleum in the foam.
In cooperation with our foam suppliers and other partner companies, we are currently driving various projects that relate to sustainable foams. Right now, we are focusing on four different processes that make it possible to achieve a sustainable proportion of up to 100 per cent.
Four processes to produce sustainable foam
Process 1: Renewable raw materials
In foams based on renewable raw materials, the crude oil (petroleum) used in the production of polyols - one of the main components of PUR foam materials - is partially replaced by vegetable oils, such as castor or rapeseed oil. When castor oil is used in polyols, for example, a sustainable proportion of up to 65 per cent can be achieved in the foam material.
Process 2: Chemical recycling
Production residues from foam processing can be chemically recycled to form new polyols and subsequently admixed again during the production of new foams. Their addition makes it possible to achieve a sustainable proportion of up to 17 per cent in the foam.
Process 3: Mass-balancing
In the production of mass-balanced foam materials, the two main petroleum-based components of PUR foam material—polyols and isocyanates—are made using chemical building blocks derived wholly or partially from non-fossil raw materials, such as used tyres, waste fats, or foam scraps. This can result in a sustainable proportion of up to 100%.
In order to promote the use of sustainable foams, we have been resolutely working with various suppliers and project partners for many years on the development and marketing of foam materials with sustainable components and their sustainable processing. We have created a new topic page where you can learn more about the various processes and approaches involved in producing sustainable foam materials.
PUR foam materials have been at the heart of our business for over 60 years, and now it is time to develop and adopt sustainable alternatives.
All processes for the production of sustainable PUR foam materials have one thing in common—they reduce the foam’s petroleum content, improving its climate footprint.
We can now offer sustainable PE foam materials as well as conventional PE foam materials.
There are also various processes for the production of sustainable PE foam materials. In addition to foam materials based on renewable raw materials, such as sugar cane, there are also various recycling options for PE foam materials, e.g. mechanical recycling.
Jana Bastian
Sales
+49 (0)2645 9523-18
Send email
Richard Maier
Sales
+49 (0) 2645 9523-37
Send email
Arne Peuling
Sales
+49 (0) 2645 9523-43
Send email
Natalja Weigel
Sales
+49 (0) 2645 9523-28
Send email