Sustainable PUR foam materials

PUR foam materials have been part of our core business for 60 years—and they are now also available as a sustainable alternative.

The sustainable alternative has the same properties as conventional PUR foams, namely an open cellular structure and elastic cell walls, which make it very flexible, and is able to recover well , depending on the type. In addition, the open cellular structure ensures high permeability to air and absorption of liquids.

Because of these properties, sustainable PUR foam materials are also used as cushioning materials in the furniture, automotive, and packaging industries as well as for seals and to absorb vibrations and sound in industrial and technical applications. In the consumer sector, they can be used as a sustainable alternative for cleaning and care sponges.

Four processes for producing sustainable PUR foams are currently available. For more information, visit our Sustainable materials subpage and our dedicated Sustainable foam materials website.

All of these processes have one thing in common—they reduce the foam’s petroleum content, improving its climate footprint.

Please take a look at the following product examples for an initial overview of the possibilities when it comes to sustainable PUR foam materials. Although most grades are still in the development phase, we can provide you with initial samples and information on request.

Sustainable PUR-ester foam bades on castor oil

• Reduction of petroleum content through use of renewable raw materials
• Use of environmentally friendly and sustainably sourced castor oil
• No chemical dyes
• Good water absorption and retention capacity as well as outstanding durability and tear resistance

 

Sustainable PUR-ether-foam with chemical recycling

• Reduction of petroleum content through proportionate use of recycled polyols
• Circular economy through recycling of material residues
• Good options for combining with other sustainable materials – e.g. scouring non-wovens
• Good water absorption and retention capacity as well as gentle care properties

 

Sustainable PUR-ether-foam with carbon upcycling

• Use of raw materials on the basis of 20% less petroleum
• Long service life and optimal processing for use in a wide range of packaging solutions
• Oeko-Tex Standard 100 (Product Class I)

Sustainable PUR-ether-foam with solid dispersion

• Reduction of petroleum content through addition of rigid foam recyclate
• Circular economy through recycling of ground rigid foam residues
• Good options for combining with other sustainable materials – e.g. scouring non-wovens made of vegetable fibres
• Good water absorption and retention capacity as well as impressive cleaning properties