At Econic, we are excited that Changhua Chemical is commercializing our technology in China. Changhua’s new polycarbonate ether (PCE) polyols, branded as Carnol®, are based on Econic’s catalyst and proprietary process and will drive sustainability and add value for their business and their customers.
Pilot samples are available for qualification and development in anticipation of their global product launch later this year.
The following article is a translation of Changhua’s recent announcement.
Changhua Chemical’s Carnol® Polyether Successfully Develops its First CO₂-Based Foam
At a critical juncture when the global carbon neutrality strategy is accelerating and China is deeply committed to green transformation, green material technology has become a core engine driving sustainable industrial development. Leveraging years of technological expertise in the chemical industry and forward-looking strategic planning, Changhua Chemical has successfully applied CO₂ polyether to the pilot production of continuous flexible foam for the first time, achieving a comprehensive technological breakthrough from molecular structure innovation to end-product implementation.
Carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, is a persistent problem in environmental governance. We use CO₂ from industrial waste as a raw material and employ low-temperature, low-pressure catalyst technology to produce carbon dioxide polyether (Carnol). This achievement represents a crucial transformation of CO₂ from waste into a high-performance polymer material, breaking the traditional material manufacturing reliance on fossil resources and establishing a new model for the high-value utilization of CO₂.
Through formula design and development, we’ve developed a carbon dioxide-based foam (Carnol) using carbon dioxide polyether. This foam is used in flexible polyurethane foam products for everyday mobility. Compared to traditional polyester and polyether foams, Carnol-based foam combines carbonate and ether bonds, offering superior hydrolysis and yellowing resistance, as well as excellent mechanical properties.
The successful preparation of carbon dioxide-based foam (Carnol-based foam) has achieved a technological breakthrough across the entire supply chain, from raw material acquisition and catalytic conversion to end-product manufacturing. Due to its excellent overall performance, Carnol-based foam has broad application prospects in a variety of fields, including automotive and home furnishings. It can be used in automotive interior surface composites, molded seats, carpets, headrests, and other applications, providing a greener and more comfortable option for automotive interiors. It can also be used in household products such as mattresses, pillows, and sofas, allowing people to enjoy the comfortable experience brought by green materials.
The successful production of Carnol polyether’s first CO₂-based foam marks a major breakthrough in green, low-carbon materials and their application technologies. It provides valuable experience and demonstrations for the green transformation of numerous industries, including automotive and home furnishings. Going forward, we will continue to uphold our mission of “Creating Green Chemistry, Shaping a Better Future with Carbon,” guided by technological innovation, and continuously explore new frontiers in green materials technology. We will work hand in hand with our customers and global partners to forge a zero-carbon future, making technological innovation the core driving force behind sustainable development worldwide.
To read the original announcement in Chinese, click here.
