First field application for Opteon 1100 foam blowing agent

The Chemours Company announced that Opteon 1100 (formerly Formacel 1100) foam blowing agent and BASF Spraytite foam insulation have successfully been applied in the first in-field spray foam application in a 5,100 square foot residential home, located in Austin, TX, USA. Together, these products are said to offer homeowners good thermal insulation performance while reducing energy consumption, environmental footprint and greenhouse gas emissions.

According to Chemours, Opteon 1100 offers a very low global warming potential (GWP), zero ozone depletion potential, good thermal insulation performance and improved R-value, allowing for reduced energy consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the increased shelf-life of Opteon 1100 lets formulators and installers spray insulation without worrying about yield losses, poor reactivity, or the cost and disposal of unused foam kits, says the manufacturer.

BASF Spraytite foam insulation is a closed-cell spray polyurethane foam insulation that creates a seamless insulation air barrier to improve the energy efficiency, comfort and durability of homes and buildings. When formulated with Opteon 1100, the system gives polyurethane foam customers a non-flammable, high efficiency, low GWP solution. Spraytite technology improves air leakage control, insulation performance, indoor environment, moisture resistance and structural strength. Spraytite insulation material is accepted by all major building codes, including the International Code Council.

This first in-field application of these innovative products was completed at an Austin home that was designed and constructed by eleV8 Design+Builders, a residential design and build firm that specialises in high performance construction. The spray insulation was installed by Installed Building Products (IBP), a national insulation and spray foam contractor.

“This project demonstrates that Chemours and BASF continue to support the President’s Global Climate Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the development and commercialisation of low GWP solutions,” said Joseph Martinko, global business manager, Opteon products. “Opteon 1100 provides a breakthrough product in response to regulatory and sustainability demands, which not only helps reduce GWP, but also helps improve energy efficiency, further reducing climate change impact.”

“BASF, as a technical leader in the polyurethane foam industry, was able to design a system using Opteon 1100 that demonstrates excellent thermal properties with the same application performance as their existing, broadly used spray foam formulations,” added Martinko.

“BASF is helping to meet the needs of our customers and the industry by introducing this sustainable insulation solution. Our spray system with Opteon 1100 provides homeowners with an insulation that helps improve comfort, durability and energy efficiency,” said Michael Sievers, national sales manager of BASF Performance Materials – Construction. “This project demonstrates that BASF and Chemours are committed to providing innovative solutions to meet the ever-evolving demand for more sustainable, low GWP solutions.”

“IBP is pleased to collaborate with BASF and Chemours on showcasing a new BASF technology in spray polyurethane foam,” said Jeff Hire, president of external affairs for IBP. “The Spraytite material provides in-field product attributes valued by major insulation contractors like IBP.”

“eleV8 Design+Builders is thrilled to utilise a new spray insulation system that will significantly help reduce energy consumption, improve durability and indoor air quality, while also reducing environmental impact," said Chris Little, founder & president of elev8 Design Builders. "We are excited to collaborate on this project with Chemours and BASF. These are world class manufacturers and they continue to demonstrate their ability to deliver new materials for the sustainable-built environment.”