Successful research into rigid polyurethane foam with CO2

In Germany, Covestro reports their latest research as part of the “DreamResource” joint project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research shows they can use up to 20 percent CO2 instead of oil in rigid polyurethane foam which is important for more sustainable construction materials.

An initial prototype of an insulation board has now been developed together with the project partner puren gmbh, which contains the novel polyols based on conventional ethylene oxides and CO₂. This marks a decisive further development of Covestro’s CO₂ technology for a particularly important part of the climate-relevant construction industry.

“Buildings are responsible for a large share of global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This makes it all the more important for us at Covestro to contribute to the Circular Economy and make insulation even more sustainable and efficient in the future. Our goal is to end the use of fossil fuels and make our production processes more sustainable,” says Sucheta Govil, Chief Commercial Officer at Covestro.

Using innovative CO₂ technology, Covestro already produces the CO₂-based precursor cardyon, which is utilized in the manufacture of mattresses, sports flooring, textile fibers and components for vehicle interiors.