This study delivers an in-depth assessment of the global polyurethane (PU) industry’s shift toward sustainability. It examines the current landscape of conventional PU products and outlines the emerging technologies, materials and strategies.

BASF’s Intermediates division has introduced new product variants with a reduced product carbon footprint (rPCF) for butanediol (BDO), tetrahydrofuran (THF), polytetrahydrofuran (PolyTHF®), and N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) produced at its Verbund site in Ludwigshafen, Germany.

The global push towards sustainability has significantly influenced the production of polyurethane systems in recent years.

BASF has taken a notable step forward in sustainable manufacturing by launching its first commercial production of biomass balance (BMB) polyether polyols in North America. The company's Verbund facility in Geismar, Louisiana is manufacturing the products, adding a greener dimension to BASF's existing range of polyurethane raw materials. The new polyols, certified by ISCC PLUS, a well-respected global standard, ensure that all sustainable biomass materials used can be tracked

The European Union has published a provisional agreement on the End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation (ELVR), introducing stricter circularity requirements for materials used in vehicles and signalling significant implications for the polyurethane and broader plastics industries.

BASF is expanding its spray polyurethane foam (SPF) portfolio with WALLTITE ® RSB, a next-generation, closed-cell spray polyurethane foam. To meet the growing demand, the company combines industry-leading performance with a blend of recycled and renewable content for a lower overall carbon footprint. “We want to create double-added value for our customers by providing high-performance and sustainable solutions, “said Nancy Houle, BASF Business Director for Spray Polyurethane