Search

G Force Performance Products introduced their latest innovation for car enthusiasts: the extra short/low profile polyurethane GM transmission mount. WADSWORTH, Ohio, July 31, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- G Force Performance Products [...]

M2 PRESSWIRE-June 14, 2024-: Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) Market Size, Growth Analysis, Opportunities, Top Manufacturers, Share, Trends, Segmentation, Regional Insights, and Forecast to 2027 (C)1994-2024 M2 COMMUNICATIONS RDATE:13062024 The thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) [...]

Key Highlights: * Evonik will introduce new Low Carbon Footprint (LCF) grades at the event to reduce carbon footprint in formulations * Evoniks key innovation highlights at PU China 2024 [...]

Wixom, MI May 15, 2024 --(PR.com)-- RAMPF Group, Inc. is presenting its high-performance polyurethane resin RAKU® TOOL IE-3092 for the manufacture of premium climbing holds at Climbing Wall Association Summit [...]

NEW HAVEN, Conn., Jan. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=e1O1iWhVrPrAukEeFJIsc_REc3UIPoRIXFon8hf3tb6aZXKOhuHCnF6t7TVLjJ_9OPnf6P4p0xdGTtJ_8QMAA8yzcBWSIVwfI5ePCAvpavc=, a biological recycling company working to decarbonize plastic production, and https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=4y4pnIfKxmThynKTCziXpYBfddDTpMzlKJmGb8P-dGg5AEO8-iDSGlU7AXEjPgogTc5-9aRnrz6Qeke_PXyJulk9dP1iNMo7xl2gs1Kfp7c=, the world leader in mapping biodiversity data for [...]

Covestro LLC (Covestro) has announced that effective 1 Apr 2024, Amco Polymers will no longer be a distributor of Covestro polycarbonate products. Covestro will accept polycarbonate orders from Amco Polymers through 1 Mar 2024, after which time Amco Polymers will remain an authorized distributor for Covestro's Texin and Desmopan family of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) resins. The decision was mutual, according to both companies. According to Paleos, Covestro's polycarbonate products are available through authorized national distributors Formerra LLC (Romeoville, IL, US) and M. Holland Company (Northbrook, IL); as well as a direct sale. Covestro's polycarbonate product families are: Makrolon polycarbonate resin: The company's flagship polycarbonate brand, this versatile high-tech material is used in a broad range of applications, including automotive, medical devices and consumer electronics, to name a few. Apec high-heat polycarbonate resin: This resin has many properties that are similar to those of Makrolon polycarbonate and is particularly appropriate for applications requiring high temperature resistance, such as automotive lighting, industrial lighting, appliances and medical devices. Makroblend polycarbonate/polyester blend resin: This blend creates a family of ultra-tough materials that can meet demanding physical, chemical, and environmental requirements. Typical applications are found in the electrical/electronic, industrial/mechanical, healthcare and automotive industries. Bayblend polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) blend resin: This polycarbonate blend exhibits high toughness even at very cold temperatures, rigidity, dimensional stability and easy processing, good colour stability in indoor lighting, and good heat resistance. Typical applications include electrical/electronics, medical, consumer and automotive applications. Original source: Covestro, website: https://www.covestro.com/en, Copyright Covestro 2024., ABS; PC; PC; TPUs; sales agreement; acrylonitrile butadiene styrene polymer; Apec; Bayblend; Desmopan; polycarbonate products; polycarbonates; polycarbonates; polyesters; Texin; thermoplastic polyurethanes; Amco Polymers; Covestro; Formerra; M. [...]

BASF Monomers Division and Xuchuan Chemical, an important partner in the isocyanates value chain, held a ceremony to commemorate their strategic cooperation on bio-mass balanced (BMB) methylene diphenyl di-isocyanate (MDI) in synthetic leather applications. By leveraging BASF's expertise in bio-mass balanced (BMB) MDI production and Xuchuan Chemical's extensive network in the synthetic leather value chain, the primary goal of this collaboration is to reduce carbon emissions in the production of polyurethanes for the industry. Bio-mass balanced products are an integral part of BASF's approach to drive the implementation of sustainable solutions. They not only reduce the products' carbon footprint (PCF), but also conserve fossil resources by replacing a part of the fossil raw materials with renewable feedstock in the production process. Bio-mass balanced MDI is a significant step towards reducing the carbon footprint associated with the production of polyurethane, a material widely used in various industries from construction to automotive. So far, BASF provides ISCC+ certified BMB MDI from its two production sites in Asia-Pacific region - Yeosu site in South Korea and Chongqing site in China. As part of their commitment to sustainability, BASF and Xuchuan will continue to invest in research and development to further enhance their low carbon footprint products and solutions. The strategic cooperation will also include joint activities to promote the benefits of these sustainable products and practices to downstream polyurethane companies and the broader public. Original source: BASF India Ltd., website: https://www.basf.com/in/en.html, Copyright BASF SE 2024., MDI; joint venture; research and development; waste emissions and pollution; 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate; biomass; carbon dioxide; BASF; Xuchuan [...]

BASF accelerates its plastics journey at CHINAPLAS 2024 by presenting circular solutions, recycled grades, and additive offerings. The company focuses on sustainability, chemical recycling, and driving the transformation of the [...]

A new waterproof polyether product, WANOL C2020E, has been launched by Wanhua Chemical. This model is identical for its low viscosity, flexibility, and eco-friendliness, making it ideal for waterproof coating industry. WANOL C2020E was developed based on the WANOL C2020 series. Compared to the processor, it reduces viscosity without changing the polyurethane polymerization process, thus improves workability. WANOL C2020E improves the flexibility of polyurethane and enhances its elongation property while optimizing its application in waterproof coatings. This product has a lower content of organic volatile compounds, and it is particularly suitable for solvent-free systems. Original source: Wanhua Chemical, website: https://en.whchem.com, Copyright Wanhua 2023., new material; polyethers; WANOL C2020E; Wanhua [...]

Avient Corporation, a premier provider of specialized and sustainable material solutions and services, on 14 Dec 2023 unveils an expansion of its Cesa Withstand portfolio to include new grades of antimicrobial and antifungal additives. These new grades are developed to enhance the performance of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film-laminated products and devices in applications where combating microbe development is highly important. Original source: Avient, website: http://www.avient.com/, Copyright Avient Corporation 2023., TPUs; new material; additives; Cesa Withstand; thermoplastic polyurethanes; [...]

North Carolina Company to Focus on Construction, Geotechnical, and Custom Foam Markets. MOUNT AIRY, N.C. -- NCFI Polyurethanes, a member of the Barnhardt Family of companies, announced today they have [...]

In a strategic move to support China's ambitious climate objectives, Covestro has forged partnerships with major Chinese property developers, including Shanghai Pudong Development (Group) Co Ltd (PDG Group) and Shanghai Lujiazui (Group) Co Ltd, as well as key industry collaborators. Their shared objective is to advance more sustainable, energy-efficient solutions in construction, capitalizing on Covestro's material expertise, especially in polyurethanes. These endeavours closely align with China's stringent energy goals in the construction sector, addressing the urgent challenge of buildings contributing to over half of the nation's carbon emissions. Thanks to its long history in polyurethanes chemistry, Covestro boasts a portfolio of insulation material solutions renowned for exceptional thermal and weather resistance. Initially used in refrigeration, they have great potential to enhance energy efficiency in construction. One key collaboration involves PDG Group and insulation integration specialist Collodin, working on an innovative polyurethane exterior wall insulation system designed to be thinner and lighter than conventional alternatives. This system, named the 'carbon-optimized composite wall insulation structural integration system', combines polyurethane insulation with low thermal conductivity and a lightweight non-combustible layer, further reinforced by composite tie bars, ensuring superior insulation. A comprehensive study will evaluate its energy efficiency, safety, and economic viability before implementation on the developer's future projects, provided it meets all compliance conditions. Another groundbreaking partnership involves Lujiazui Group and Chinese composite profile maker Deyilong. Together, they are developing a low-carbon, energy-efficient window and door system tailored to meet Shanghai's requirements on ultra-low energy buildings. This system will leverage Covestro's Baydur Pultrusion, a composite material with exceptional thermal insulation, mechanical strength, and durability. The whole window system thereby can be made thinner for better aesthetics. For a closer look at Covestro's solutions for a fully circular future at the CIIE, visit us at booth 3B6-05, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) from 5 Nov 2023 to 10 Nov 2023. Original source: Covestro, website: https://www.covestro.com/en, Copyright Covestro 2023., PU; joint venture; sales; waste emissions and pollution; Baydur Pultrusion; building chemicals; carbon dioxide; composite plastics; insulating materials; polyurethane products; polyurethanes; Collodin; Covestro; Deyilong; Shanghai Lujiazui (Group); Shanghai Pudong Development [...]

Celanese Corporation, a global speciality materials and chemical company, collaborated with Tier 2 automotive parts supplier Trelleborg Boots to design and prove the manufacturability of a suspension jounce bumper that requires no base cup, ring or dust cover bellow, with the dust protection bellow now integrated into the jounce bumper. This new jounce bumper combined with the dust cover bellow is press blow moulded from Hytrel TPC thermoplastic elastomer. Already proven in millions of vehicles for Constant Velocity Joint (CVJ) boots, the jounce bumper made using Hytrel TPC is expected to be more durable than ones made with polyurethane foam, the incumbent material for this application. Additionally, the Hytrel TPC solution can be easily identified, dismantled, recycled and reused at the end of a vehicle's useful life. Celanese will showcase the jounce bumper design plus other creative and sustainable applications of its materials at its stand (B4/4200) at the Fakuma trade show in Friedrichshafen, Germany, on 17-21 Oct 2023. Original source: Celanese, website: http://www.celanese.com/, Copyright Celanese Corporation 2023., joint venture; sales; Hytrel TPC; thermoplastic rubber; Celanese; [...]

BASF announced that its Yeosu site in Korea has successfully produced the first biomass balanced (BMB) methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI). This milestone development underlines BASF's commitment to building a more sustainable MDI value chain. MDI is a key component in the production of polyurethane, which is widely used in industries such as automotive, construction, and electronics. Traditionally, MDI is produced from fossil-based raw materials. With the increasing global demand for sustainable solutions, BASF has now developed biomass balanced MDI, made with biomass-balanced benzene. At the beginning of the production chain, the renewable feedstock needed to produce the biomass balanced benzene has been fed into the production system. A corresponding share of the renewable feedstock is then attributed to the MDI by means of a certified mass balance method. Certification of BASF's biomass balanced products is carried out according to recognized standards like REDcert2 or ISCC PLUS. Using renewable raw material in the production system helps improve the product carbon footprint (PCF) of our customers along the value chain in comparison to the regular MDI solely based on conventional feedstock. The biomass balanced MDI produced at the Yeosu site will be supplied to customers in the Asia Pacific region, further supporting BASF's goal of providing sustainable solutions to meet the growing demands of its customers in the region. Original source: BASF India Ltd., website: https://www.basf.com/in/en.html, Copyright BASF SE 2023., MDI; new material; 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate; benzene; biomass; renewable feedstocks; [...]

In a first for the footwear industry, Huntsman has developed a liquid thermoplastic polyurethane (LTPU) that enables the rapid manufacture of high-performing midsoles and is aligned with the circularity ambitions of brands manufacturing sports and athleisure footwear. Easier to use than expanded forms of TPU, which require complex procedures such as supercritical foaming and steam chest moulding, SMARTLITE O LTPU system can be processed in a single step that uses significantly less water and energy and generates less waste and carbon emissions. Crucially, Huntsman's SMARTLITE O LTPU system can also be converted and repurposed into new materials either in its post-industrial or post-consumer form. Huntsman's SMARTLITE O LTPU system is being officially unveiled on 19 Sep 2023 at SIMAC in Milan and at the FDRA's Shoe Sustainability Summit in Portland, OR, US. To launch this unique, lightweight product, Huntsman has joined forces with the framas Group. Ready to partner with brands on sampling and the fulfilment of orders, framas has capacity to produce up to 2 M soling constructions per annum using the material. Easy to process: Processed on low pressure casting machines, SMARTLITE O LTPU system is simple to use, scalable and can help streamline shoe manufacturing. With in-situ polymerization, adhesive-free bonding of midsoles to TPU outsoles, and fast demould rates, cycle times for the SMARTLITE O LTPU system are short. High performance: With a density of 250 kg/cu m, Huntsman's SMARTLITE O LTPU system produces superior, hydrolysis resistant midsoles that offer long-lasting, step-in cushioning comfort with a rebound of more than 50%. Circular: SMARTLITE O LTPU system is the ideal solution for brands looking to use circular midsole materials and lower the carbon footprint of their manufacturing processes - without compromising performance or quality. Supporting circular economy initiatives, soling units featuring a SMARTLITE O LTPU midsole and a TPU outsole can be mechanically repurposed - if the correct reprocessing infrastructure is available. For example, manufacturers can mix post-industrial recycled SMARTLITE O LTPU content with virgin TPU to create new outsoles and cupsoles. Huntsman can also make bio-based versions of the material. Freedom of design: For footwear designers, SMARTLITE O LTPU system opens up new creative opportunities, delivering enhanced surface definition without silver lines or the popcorn effect. It is also easy to colour and create striking fade effects. Original source: Huntsman, website: http://www.huntsman.com/, Copyright Huntsman International LLC 2023., TPUs; new material; sales; sales agreement; SMARTLITE O LTPU; thermoplastic polyurethanes; framas Group; [...]

Lubrizol Engineered Polymers announces that Bjorn Thorsen, its distributor in the UK and Nordic countries, will be showcasing ESTANE EV thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and sustainable polymer solutions at their booth at Interplas UK, 26-28 Sep 2023, in Birmingham. Lubrizol Engineered Polymers has developed new material solutions to meet the growing sustainability requirements of selected markets with innovative polymers that have up to 50% lower carbon footprint, and deliver high-performance attributes (like high mechanical and hydrolysis resistance) to the end product like the standard ESTANE solutions. These speciality polymers are now available in the UK market through Bjorn Thorsen. And the innovative ESTANE EV portfolio will also be highlighted at the booth. ESTANE EV TPUs are plasticizer-free, non-halogenated flame retardant materials that enable the high performance of electric vehicle charging cables. At the trade show, Bjorn Thorsen will be sharing information on the new sustainable solutions from Lubrizol Engineered Polymers, including the recent development of a biomass balanced polymer solution: ESTANE RNW speciality TPU with the same performance as ESTANE TPU resin but with total or partial bio carbon attribution. This new portfolio will further support sustainability in industries such as mobility. Bjorn Thorsen will be exhibiting from 26-28 Sep 2023, at Interplas UK, the leading plastics exhibition and conference in UK. Please come to Hall 4 to visit Bjorn Thorsen's booth C32 to find out more about these specialities. Original source: Lubrizol, website: http://www.lubrizol.com/, Copyright The Lubrizol Corporation 2023., TPUs; sales; biopolymers; ESTANE EV; ESTANE RNW; flame retardants; thermoplastic polyurethanes; Bjorn Thorsen; Lubrizol Engineered [...]

In a strategic alliance geared towards driving sustainable change in the construction industry, Polish construction chemicals supplier Selena Group and plastics manufacturer Covestro have united their expertise to craft a more sustainable range of polyurethane foams for enhancing building thermal insulation. This collaboration embodies their shared commitment to embracing a co-creative approach that should spearhead a transformative shift in the construction sector, in line with the principles of the European Green Deal, Fit for 55, and the overarching goal of achieving carbon neutrality in the building sector by 2050. Selena Group, a pioneering figure in construction chemicals since its establishment in 1992, is leading the way by introducing its enhanced Ultra Fast 70 one-component foam, primarily used for window and door installations. This product, with its remarkable yield of up to 77 L/can and a very short cut time of just 20 minutes, is already recognized for its efficiency. What makes this innovation even more remarkable is the incorporation of a bio-attributed methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) from Covestro in its production process. The sustainability aspect lies in the mathematical assignment of plant-based feedstocks to MDI through mass balancing, resulting in a 60% reduction in carbon footprint compared to fossil-derived counterparts, after all. This pioneering collaboration highlights that sustainability doesn't necessitate compromises in quality. The new-generation foams, despite their bio-based content, boast the same good quality and properties as their fossil counterparts due to their identical molecular composition. This allows customers to seamlessly integrate them into their existing operations without any loss of quality. The sustainability of these products is validated by the globally recognized ISCC PLUS standard, certifying the use of plant-based raw materials and their precise allocation in the manufacturing process. The products retain their excellent quality, but at the same time meet the requirements of environmental protection and correspond to the trends of the future. This action is proof of the effectiveness of building cooperation through innovation. Selena does not stop at foam innovation - their commitment to a sustainable future is embodied in its line of BIOSELENOLS, own-produced bio-based polyols that complement their foams. This commitment extends to also including recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as a formulation component for every foam variant. Their Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), verified by the German Institut Bauen und Umwelt eV (IBU), leverages life cycle analysis to assess the environmental impact of buildings and serves as a benchmark for Selena's environmental stewardship. Covestro is committed to a circular future, underscored by an unwavering focus on alternative raw materials, innovative recycling technologies, renewable energies, and strategic collaborations, and plans to achieve climate neutrality by 2035 (scope 1 and 2). The company is methodically expanding its portfolio of alternative products, extending invaluable support to its partners in their climate protection pursuits. Original source: Covestro, website: https://www.covestro.com/en, Copyright Covestro 2023., MDI; joint venture; new material; waste emissions and pollution; waste utilization and recycling; 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate; BIOSELENOLS; building chemicals; carbon dioxide; polyols; polyurethane foam; recycled polyethylene terephthalate; renewable feedstocks; sustainable chemicals; [...]

Evonik is one step closer to its goal of closing the material cycle in the polyurethane industry: The company has joined forces with the REMONDIS Group, one of the world's leading recycling companies to secure the supply of end-of-life mattress foams. The cooperation will support Evonik as it develops its chemical recycling process to the next level. Original source: Evonik Industries, website: http://corporate.evonik.com/en/, Copyright Evonik Industries AG 2023., joint venture; sales agreement; waste utilization and recycling; polyurethane foam; Evonik; REMONDIS [...]

Team Sonnenwagen, a student team from RWTH Aachen and FH Aachen, Germany, is committed to more sustainable mobility using renewable energy. With a self-constructed solar racing car, they once again plan to take part in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in Oct 2023 in Australia. The team also attaches great importance to a more sustainable sports kit. Huafeng, a leader in textile technology, supports this request by providing more sustainably made athletic shoes and shorts for team outfits. For this purpose, Huafeng used a partly bio-based polyurethane (PU) dispersion from Covestro, the main sponsor of Team Sonnenwagen. The new official team equipment provided by Huafeng features shorts and sports shoes with designs using Huafeng's newly launched HAPTIC textile coating system, which contains partly bio-based INSQIN PU dispersions from Covestro. In addition, fabrics for the garments and shoes are made by Huafeng based on Cyclone recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) yarns derived from post-consumer plastic bottles. The shoe upper material is made of 100% Cyclone rPET, while the shorts consist of 86% Cyclone rPET and 14% Spandex for ensuring a comfortable fit. Developed by Huafeng using Covestro's partly bio-based PU Impranil CQ DLS/1, the HAPTIC Art textile coating system used for the shoes enables especially outstanding aesthetics, improved mechanical performance, and reduced production-related emissions. Thanks to its high solids content and thixotropic properties, the system allows manufacturers to achieve a high coating thickness, making it well-suited for creating coatings with detailed images and sophisticated 3D effects on apparel and footwear. Images and textures applied using the HAPTIC Art ink system have undergone a series of tests for properties such as flexibility, adhesion, and resistance to hydrolysis, washing, and abrasion. The excellent results demonstrate that the Art ink is particularly suitable for coating on high-performance sports footwear. In recognition of its excellent mechanical properties, Huafeng's ink coating system recently received the ISPO Best Product Award. With strong environmental credentials, this new coating system can also help meet the growing demand for more sustainable sportswear. Traditionally, sports apparel and footwear have relied heavily on virgin fossil-based PET materials and PU coatings to achieve the required performance, appearance, and durability. However, by combining Huafeng's textile coating expertise with Covestro's partly bio-based INSQIN PU technology, Team Sonnenwagen's new equipment proves that a more sustainable approach is possible. Original source: Covestro, website: https://www.covestro.com/en, Copyright Covestro 2023., joint venture; new material; waste utilization and recycling; biopolymers; coatings; Cyclon; elastane fibres; INSQIN PU dispersions; plastic waste; polyurethane dispersions; polyurethane foam; PU Impranil CQ DLS/1; recycled polyethylene terephthalate; Covestro; [...]

Paramount Bed Co Ltd, Mitsui Chemicals Inc and Rever Corporation (TRE Holdings Corporation) announced on 4 Sep 2023 that the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) has selected their initiative aimed at the chemical recycling of polyurethane in mattresses for inclusion in the MOE's FY 2023 Project to Encourage Construction of Decarbonized Circular Economy Systems. Following a call for submissions, the scheme has been adopted in the category for demonstration projects aimed at constructing plastic recycling processes and reducing CO2 emissions. Chemical companies overseas are already working on polyurethane recycling efforts, including the construction of a value chain and the establishment of consortiums for recycling mattresses requiring disposal. They are also exploring new techniques and technologies for using polyurethane as a recycled material. In Japan, however, the polyurethane in mattresses is collected as waste and most is disposed of by incineration. The difficulty of processing mattresses containing materials other than polyurethane, such as polyester and metal springs, makes their disposal expensive for local governments and business operators generating industrial waste. In addition, growing demand for home care beds in Japan's aging society is forecast to increase the number of mattresses sent for disposal. Paramount Bed manufactures and sells beds and mattresses, while Mitsui Chemicals manufactures, sells and researches polyurethane materials and Rever undertakes recycling. As such, the three partners in this initiative aim to establish a recycling system covering everything through to low-carbon chemical recycling technology and collection. More specifically, the three companies plan to develop low-carbon technologies and processes for the chemical recycling and disposal of used mattresses over the course of this demonstration project, which is set to run until Feb 2025. The partners also intend to work on creating a scheme for collecting used mattresses that have been reused as part of rental services covered under the nursing care insurance system. Aims are to achieve this by tapping into the wide area certification system under which Paramount Bed has been certified. Original source: Mitsui Chemicals, website: http://www.mitsuichem.com/, Copyright Mitsui Chemicals Inc 2023., joint venture; waste emissions and pollution; waste utilization and recycling; carbon dioxide; polyurethane products; Mitsui Chemicals; Paramount Bed; Rever; TRE [...]

Driven by the Rising Demand for Strong and Lightweight Materials in the Construction, Electronics, and Automotive Sectors, theGlobal Polyurethane Market is forecasted to Cross US$100 Bn by 2028, says Ken [...]

In Jun 2023, over 200 people in France filed a criminal complaint against Dutch company Philips over defective respiratory devices. Philips was accused of deceptive business practices, administering harmful substances, and life endangerment. There are three plaintiffs who accused the company of involuntary manslaughter. The company is being implicated for selling dangerous respiratory assistance devices because of the polyurethane foam utilized to soundproof the machines' interior. The complaint was filed nearly two years following Philips Respironics' recall of millions of mechanical ventilator devices, bi-level positive airway pressure (BPAP), and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines. The recall was due to the foam in the machines that can degrade and release small particles that can irritate airways. The degrading foam can also release gases that may be toxic or carcinogenic, according to the company's warning during the time of the recall in Jun 2021. Majority of the devices are under the firm's first-generation DreamStation portfolio. Philips Respironics stands as a defendant in various claims and lawsuits, including the complaint filed in France. Original Source: Medical Device + Diagnostic Industry (MD+DI), https://www.mddionline.com/technologies, Copyright Informa Markets, a trading division of Informa PLC 2023., health and safety; lawsuit; medical devices; polyurethane foam; Philips; Philips [...]

UPM Biochemicals and VAUDE, a sustainable and innovative supplier of outdoor apparel, will produce outerwear made with bio-based chemicals and demonstrate that the textile industry can start the shift towards renewable materials on 15 Jun 2023. UPM recognizes the acute challenge faced by the textile and footwear industries to find more sustainable solutions for the polyester and polyurethane used in their products. Approximately 60% of all materials currently used by the fashion industry are made from fossil-based polymers. UPM will be producing new, climate-neutral materials from sustainably sourced forest biomass that will help replace fossil raw materials in the textile value chain. In close collaboration, UPM and VAUDE will produce the first ever fleece jacket made from wood-based polyester. A small step with big impact as it will help close the gap between recycled fibres and sustainable virgin fibres and take performance fashion beyond fossils. The resin used to make polyester contains 30% monoethylene glycol (MEG) which is traditionally sourced from crude oil. In UPM and VAUDE's process this ingredient will be entirely replaced with a new bio-monoethylene glycol (BioMEG), UPM's BioPura. BioPura is a drop-in solution that can be easily implemented into existing polyester manufacturing processes as it is identical to currently used MEG on a molecular basis. Partnerships across the whole value chain are a prerequisite for enhancing sustainable innovations across various industries. In this case, Indorama Ventures, one of the world's leading chemical companies, will polymerize and spin a polyester yarn containing UPM's BioPura BioMEG at its German site in Guben. Pontetorto, a leading textile manufacturer located in Prato, Italy, will then process this yarn into a novel, bio-based polyester fabric which VAUDE will use to produce the final garment. UPM is investing EUR 750 M to build the world's first industry scale biorefinery in Leuna, Germany. In Leuna, UPM will convert sustainably sourced, certified hardwood into next generation biochemicals that will enable the vital shift away from fossil-based to renewable materials across a wide range of industries. The biorefinery aims to produce 220,000 tonnes/y in total, with start-up targeted to take place by end-2023. Original source: UPM-Kymmene, website: http://www.upm.com/, Copyright UPM-Kymmene 2023., EG; PU; investment; joint venture; plant capacity; plant startup; waste utilization and recycling; biomaterials; biopolymers; BioPura; crude oil; ethylene glycol; polyester fibres; polyesters; polyurethanes; textiles; Indorama Ventures; Pontetorto; UPM Biochemicals; [...]