Apparel

Renewable carbon for fashion and footwear

Circularity is the future of fashion

Sustainability claims are increasingly important in the world of fashion. Apparel and footwear brands are encouraging recycling, reducing waste, and minimizing carbon footprint. The goal? Do right by the planet and appeal to a new generation of consumers who are embracing the circular economy. By incorporating renewable carbon, brands can enhance the sustainability of their products without compromising performance or style.

We wear polyurethane everywhere

  • Shoe soles use polyurethane foams for better cushion and support.
  • Polyurethane coatings make outerwear like coats, jackets and accessories more durable and water resistant.
  • Sweat-proof sportswear requires textiles with polyurethane coatings.
  • Textiles made with polyurethane provide comfort, flexibility and breathability in intimate apparel.
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Making polyurethanes from renewable carbon

Long before polyurethane becomes part of a shirt or a shoe, it starts out as two components that are mixed together: isocyanates and polyols.

At Econic, we provide manufacturers with a patented process and catalyst to make polyols — specifically polycarbonate ether polyols — from carbon dioxide. These can effectively replace the oil-based polyether polyols that are typically used to make polyurethanes.

Try upcycled carbon for top performance

Switching to the Econic process and incorporating renewable carbon, not only makes polyurethane materials for apparel and footwear more sustainable, it can improve their performance thanks to tunable characteristics at the molecular level.

Waterproof Coating
Replace Fossil Feedstocks

DropletConventional process for polymers with oil-based raw materials

Droplets

 

ProcessEconic’s process for polymers with captured recycled CO2

Process Multiple

Our catalyst transforms inert carbon dioxide into a reactive feedstock; replacing propylene oxide or ethylene oxide in the polyether production process.

Finetune Properties

Linkages

Carbonate linkages can change the properties of polyurethanes.

Our process allows manufacturers to carefully tune these for optimized performance in every application.
Automotive Automotive
Comfort Foams Comfort foams
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IStock 1393586323 Insulation foams

Order polyol samples

We are currently shipping samples of polyols made with the Econic process and catalyst.

Contact us
Polyol Samples
2024 Global CleanTech 100

License our technology

If you would like to learn more about licensing Econic’s technology, our experts would be happy to discuss your application and how to apply our process.

Contact us