Researchers’ 3D-printing formula may transform future of foam

07-Apr-2025 - From seat cushions to mattresses to insulation, foam is everywhere — even if we don’t always see it. Now, researchers at The University of Texas at Dallas have fused chemistry with technology to create a 3D-printed foam that is more durable and more recyclable than the polymer foam found in many ...

Cutting-edge technology for everyone

European innovation platform offers companies access to resource-saving production methods

11-Feb-2025 - Over the past four years, Kaiserslautern University of Applied Sciences has worked with 25 partners from seven countries on cutting-edge technological solutions for the production of bio-based polyurethanes (PUR). Sustainability was a central pillar of the BIOMAT project. The bio-based PUR foams ...

Consortium develops evolutionary concept for recycling of end-of-life polyurethane mattress foams

Ecomaison, Covestro, Secondly and Federal Eco Foam launch research project

27-May-2024 - Material efficiency is the key objective when creating a new material cycle for flexible polyurethane (PU) foam from used mattresses. The French company Ecomaison has dedicated itself to collecting and recycling used furniture and has been working with Covestro for a few years to utilize its ...

CIECH Group will change its name to Qemetica in June

"We have an ambitious plan to redefine the chemical industry in response to the challenges posed by everyday life"

17-May-2024 - In June, the name of the CIECH Group companies will change. The abbreviation CIECH will be replaced bythe new name: Qemetica. The planned change is afurther consistent step in the Group's chemical transformation after the investment holding Kulczyk Investments became astrategic investor 10 ...

Startups shaping the future of Europe’s circular economy

Green Alley Award Finalists

03-Apr-2024 - The Green Alley Award, Europe’s first and longest-running award for startups and entrepreneurs pioneering the circular economy, has announced its finalists for 2024. Six startups have been selected from a total of over 300 applications and will pitch at the Green Alley Award finals on April 25, ...

Upcycling leftover cardboard to make a new type of foam packaging

The upcycled material was stronger and more insulating than traditional, plastic foam-based cushioning

19-Dec-2023 - With the holiday season in full swing, gifts of all shapes and sizes are being shipped around the world. But all that packaging generates lots of waste, including cardboard boxes and plastic-based foam cushioning, such as Styrofoam™. Rather than discard those boxes, researchers publishing in ACS ...

Evonik cooperates with REMONDIS on sustainable polyurethane recycling

The cooperation will support Evonik as it develops its chemical recycling process to the next level

19-Sep-2023 - 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 ...

A sea change for plastic pollution: new material biodegrades in ocean water

Marine microorganisms found to feast on new polyurethane materials used in a startup's sustainable shoes

26-Sep-2022 - Plastics, now ubiquitous in the modern world, have become a rising threat to human and environmental health. Around the planet, evidence of plastic pollution stretches from grocery bags in the deep sea to microplastics in our food supplies and even in our blood. Seeking solutions to counteract ...

BASF and NEVEON co-operate on mattress recycling

First trials on chemical recycling of mattresses successful

17-Feb-2022 - BASF and foam specialist NEVEON are working together to further develop the recycling of mattresses. The aim is to establish a closed product loop for mattresses. Currently, discarded mattresses are mainly thermally recycled or disposed of in landfills. BASF and NEVEON want to change this and ...

More beer in the glass with physics

How water-repellent coatings can reduce foaming in industrial processes

21-Jan-2022 - While foam is certainly desirable in the bathtub or on beer, preventing foam - for example in industrial processes - is a much-discussed topic. Often, oils or particles are added to liquids to prevent foaming. If these are harmful to health or the environment, they must be removed again using ...