Evonik is set to present its cutting-edge innovations and comprehensive portfolio of advanced technologies designed for the Polyurethane (PU) industry at PU China 2024, taking place in Shanghai from July 17-19. With decades of industry leadership, Evonik offers a comprehensive toolbox of additives including surfactants, catalysts, curatives, performance enhancers, and release agents.

At the event, Evonik will introduce its new Low Carbon Footprint (LCF) grades, designed to significantly minimize carbon emissions in formulations. Committed to advancing sustainable practices, Evonik pioneers next-generation products and technologies based on renewable raw materials, empowering customers and partners to meet evolving market demands effectively.

Hang Xu, Vice President of Evonik's Comfort & Insulation business line in Asia, highlighted the increasing demand growth in China driven by middle-class consumers seeking better living standards and a strong emphasis on sustainability in downstream industries. Xu emphasized Evonik's commitment to supporting local customers by offering innovations that enhance sustainability in the polyurethane (PU) industry, while ensuring superior performance. This strategic approach aims to align with market trends and cater to evolving consumer preferences for environmentally friendly products, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the industry in the region.

Evonik's notable innovations at PU China 2024 include:

• Introduction of Low Carbon Footprint PU foams: Evonik unveils new TEGOSTAB® surfactants for rigid and flexible polyurethane applications, sourced from renewable feedstocks with fully traceable supply chains certified by ISCC Plus at their Essen, Germany site. These VOC-optimized surfactants feature ultra-low cyclic siloxane content (<0.1% total weight), aiding formulators in achieving stringent emission targets while maintaining high foam quality. TEGOSTAB® LCF grades boast a dramatically lower carbon footprint when compared to traditional oil-based options.

• Enhanced sustainability in flexible foam: ORTEGOL® NOP additive facilitates the integration of substantial amounts of natural oil-based polyols (NOPs) into flexible foam formulations. The ORTEGOL® 70X series includes additives that enhance recovery of both standard and NOP-containing foams post-compression, reducing curing time.

• Improved efficiency and thermal properties for rigid foam: Evonik offers a comprehensive surfactant and catalyst portfolio, enhancing surface quality and thermal insulation of appliance and construction products, thus increasing energy efficiency. The DABCO® PT series provides emission-optimized additives for safer spraying and faster re-entry times in spray foam applications.

• Low odor, low emission additives for automotive molded foam: Evonik introduces Negligible Emission catalysts and low VOC, low odor surfactants to meet stringent VDA 278 emission standards, minimizing VOC exposure in automotive applications. TEGOSTAB® B 8742 LO, with ultra-low odor and aldehyde content, enhances comfort in vibration-dampening foams used in car seats.

• Cutting-edge solutions for advanced PU applications: Evonik showcases innovations under the POLYCAT® SA, TEGOSTAB® B, and KOSMOS® brands, enhancing PU materials in CASE, artificial leather, and footwear. Products like ORTEGOL® P2 improve foam stability in waterborne PU artificial leather systems, supporting environmental advancements in the industry.

Evonik invites industry professionals to visit their booth (#50, Hall 1) at PU China 2024 for a comprehensive overview of their latest solutions in the polyurethane market. The event takes place at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre from July 17-19.