Blowing Agents – ZERO Ozone Depletion

Both CPI and its member companies are committed to environmental stewardship as the industry transitions to zero ozone depleting potential (ODP) blowing agents for production of polyurethane foam insulation.

Polyurethane foams used in insulation applications such as wall and roofing insulation, refrigerators and freezers, cushioning and packaging use a blowing agent to create the high insulation and structural properties of the foam.  In the mid-1980s, it was discovered that certain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) used as blowing agents were thought to help cause ozone depletion. 

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) were developed as replacements, but they too are now thought to have ozone depleting potential and are currently being phased out.

To assist member companies throughout the transition to zero ODP blowing agents, CPI provided a series of panel discussions, issue sessions and technical sessions at the annual Polyurethanes Conference.  These sessions provided resources regarding compliance with the Montreal Protocol and the Kyoto Protocol.

Following are links to resources regarding CFC and HCFC phase out.

spotlight

The polyurethane industry, working together through the American Chemistry Council's (ACC) Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) and the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA), has launched an enhanced product stewardship program to support further understanding of the benefits of spray polyurethane foam and its continued safe use and handling. A part of this outreach, a new Spray Polyurethane Foam Health and Safety website, www.spraypolyurethane.com, has been launched by CPI and SPFA that contains new materials, literature and posters to increase understanding of spray polyurethane foam (SPF) product stewardship information.

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