CPI: Finalists for 2021 Polyurethane Innovation Award announced

On 23 August 2021, the Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) announced BASF’s Elastopan 42320, Ford’s Graphene-enhanced PU foams, and Huntsman Corporation and Pursell Agri-Tech’s PurActive – built with the Rimline polyurethane system as the finalists for the 2021 Polyurethane Innovation Award.

The annual honour recognises the most inventive new commercial technologies within the polyurethanes industry. These finalists made striking innovations in the polyurethanes industry that will address challenges in several industries. The award will be presented to the winner during the 63^rd Polyurethanes Technical Conference, 5 – 7 October 2021, in Denver, CO, USA.

“The Polyurethane Innovation Award is an opportunity to recognise pioneers and their cutting-edge innovations within the polyurethanes industry,” said Lee Salamone, senior director, CPI. “This award spotlights our industry’s commitment to encouraging and advancing technologies that enhance our lives through sustainable practices. CPI congratulates BASF, Ford, and Huntsman on being named the three finalists, and we look forward to recognising and showcasing these companies’ achievements during the Polyurethanes Technical Conference’s Opening Session.”

The finalists’ descriptions of their innovations follow:

    • BASF Elastopan 42320: “The Xenith Loop is the most comfortable and best performing non-tackle football headgear on the market based on 2019 Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings. The headgear is the industry’s first ever purpose-built protective equipment made specifically for the sport. It’s powered by BASF’s newly developed intelligent energy absorbing foam Elastopan 42320.”

    • Ford Motor Company Graphene-enhanced PU foams: “Due to its lightweight and incredibly strong properties, graphene has been called the “miracle material” with virtually limitless potential. In November 2018, Ford Motor Company launched one of the world’s first high-volume, production applications of graphene improving vehicle sustainability, noise abatement and heat performance. Already finding its way into more than 12 foam components under-hood including engine, pump and fuel rail covers across several vehicle lines, Ford plans for even further expansion in the future.”

    • Huntsman Corporation & Pursell Agri-Tech PurActive – built with the Rimline polyurethane system: “Through the combination of novel chemistry and processing techniques Huntsman Polyurethanes & Pursell Agri-Tech have jointly developed a revolutionary polyurethane based controlled release fertilizer coating; PurActive – built with the Rimline polyurethane system. This next-generation technology addresses the agronomic and other needs of today’s growers while focusing on nutrient-use efficiency, increased yields, environmental pollution control, and manufacturing productivity to bring substantial benefits at each step of the value chain. Rimline is a registered trademark of Huntsman Corporation or an affiliate thereof in one or more, but not all, countries.”

The winner of the 2021 Polyurethanes Innovation Award is chosen at the Polyurethanes Technical Conference’s Opening Session, which CPI encourages all interested in participating to attend.

https://polyurethane.americanchemistry.com