Sustainable Polyurethanes in Automobiles: Addressing the Whole Lifecycle of PU Parts
At our last conference in Budapest, EURO-MOULDERS presented a report aimed at a non-specialist audience on ways to improve the sustainability of polyurethane foam in the automotive sector. The following article summarises the main conclusions of the study, while providing important context on the usage of PU in automotive and changes in the upcoming legislation […]
European Commission Proposal for the New End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation
On 13 July 2023, the European Commission published its proposal for a new End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation. Among others, the proposal foresees that 6 years after the adoption of the legislation (around 2030 thus), plastics in new type-approved vehicles must include 25% recycled content, as a percentage of the total weight of plastics in the vehicle, leaving […]
EUROPUR & EURO-MOULDERS Annual Conference 2023: Connecting the European Flexible PU Foam Industry
The 2023 edition of the Annual Conference of EURO-MOULDERS and EUROPUR – respectively the association of polyurethane parts producers for the automotive industry and the association of flexible PU foam blocks manufacturers – took place in Budapest on 13 and 14 June. A record 500 participants attended the event, with another 80 joining online. Together, […]
REACH Restriction on Formaldehyde Released from Articles
On 13 February, EU Member States approved the text of a REACH Rrestriction on Formaldehyde released from articles. The text will in the coming weeks be published in the Official Journal of the European Union, after which it will become law. A relatively long transition period is foreseen as it shall apply 48 months after […]
European Comission Proposes EU-Wide Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) For Diisocyanates
Diisocyanates are – together with polyols – the main building blocks of polyurethanes. The two main diisocyanates used in the production of moulded PU parts are TDI (Toluene diisocyanate) and MDI (Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate). Diisocyanates – when not handled properly – can cause health issues, such as skin or eye irritation and occupational asthma. To […]
Polyurethanes in automobiles – Horizon 2030
Polyurethane is the second most often used polymer in automobiles, after polypropylene. There is a total of ~28 kg of polyurethanes on average in light vehicles, out of which 60% is flexible foam used in seating. Some 10% is used in carpet underlay/other insulators and headliners each, while the rest can be found in small quantities in head-rests, armrests and consoles, steering wheels, dashboard insulators and IP and door panels.
Europur & Euro-Moulders Conference 2022: The European flexible PU foam industry’s meeting point
The annual conference of EUROPUR and EURO-MOULDERS – respectively the trade association of flexible PU foam blocks producers and the association of polyurethane parts for the automotive industry – took place on 8-9 June in Berlin. This was the two organisations’ most well attended event ever, with nearly 400 participants in-person and about 90 online, coming from all over Europe and beyond, including the United States, India, Korea and several African countries. In total more than 100 companies – out of which 50+ foam producers – participated in this key event for the flexible polyurethane industry.
Supply of raw materials in parts of flexible polyurethane foam supply chain remains critical
Following our earlier update on 16th December 2020 on disruptions in the flexible polyurethane foam supply chain, supply issues have continued to affect the industry through the year end. In a context of high demand for flexible polyurethane foam, supply of raw materials is expected to remain tight well into H1 2021. To read more […]
Supply of Raw Materials in Parts of Flexible Polyurethane Foam Supply Chain Remains Critical
Flexible polyurethane foam is a polymeric material which is produced by combining two main substances: polyols and diisocyanates; as well as other minor components such as water. When these substances are mixed together, they react almost instantly – creating PU foam.
Force Majeures Raw Materials
Force Majeures at European Polyol and Diisocyanates Producers and an extended Gulf storm season in the US disrupt supplies for Flexible Polyurethane Foam Manufacturers. To read more please click.
