BLOGS
Recalls of Medical Devices Highlight Need for Bio-Based PU Alternatives
Date posted: 2024
Alternative chemistries replacing polyurethane (PU) offer the potential for a generational change of materials in the medical and healthcare sectors, which are major users of PU adhesives, flex foams and EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) foam rubber in application such as medical devices, hospital mattresses, cushions, wound care products, orthopedic support, prosthetics.
Silicone Adhesives Holding Up Glass Panels on The Shard, Allianz Tower and One World Trade Center
Date posted: 2024
Structural adhesives are gaining traction in the construction industry, replacing traditional fastening methods like welding, bolting or riveting. One area where they are changing the game is the installation of large glass panels on building façades.
Design for Circularity Sparks Innovation in Car and Aircraft Seating
Date posted: 2024
Car and aircraft seating manufacturers are reviewing their material sourcing strategies in response to supply chain disruptions and sustainability demands from regulators, consumers and airlines.
Performance Will Be Deciding Factor for Success of Sustainable Adhesives
Date posted: 2024
After at least three decades of development in bio-based and sustainable adhesives, for many applications they still fall short. What would it take to completely phase out solvent-based, petrochemical-derived adhesives and mainstream sustainable alternatives?
Growing demand for non-PU structural adhesives after EU diisocyanates rule
Date posted: 2023
Adhesives containing more than 0.1% diisocyanates can no longer be used in the European Union without following strict training requirements after a new REACH rule took effect on 24 August 2023. The announcement of the rule three years ago kicked off a wave of innovation in alternative structural adhesives.
What does the remainder of 2023 have in store for the polyurethane industry?
Date posted: 2023
The 14-15 June 2023 saw the annual EUROPUR and EURO-MOULDERS conference in Budapest, Hungary. Over 500 delegates from across the polyurethane (PU) supply chain came together to discuss the latest industry trends and challenges. It was fantastic to see so many new companies joining the industry organisation and to get a snapshot of the hot topics gripping the industry at the end of Q2.
Acceptable in the Eighties? A False Start for the Electric Vehicle
Date posted: 2022
When it comes to technological innovation, timing is everything. There is a fine balance between a disruptive technology and a product being launched onto the market that the world simply isn’t ready for. That is exactly what happened to Sir Clive Sinclair and his Sinclair C5.
Is Traceability Part of your Circularity Toolkit?
Date posted: 2022
Due to the tightening of environmental regulation in the European Union (EU), a shift in consumer attitudes towards sustainable products and the moral imperative to protect the planet, the foam and adhesives supply chains are looking for ways to implement green initiatives. Life-cycle analysis plays an integral role in calculating a product’s carbon footprint or implementing circular economy. Without clarity on a product’s origins, it becomes challenging to substantiate any claim about its status as responsibly sourced.
Is your organisation ready for the diisocyanate training regulation change?
Date posted: 2022
The handling of products containing diisocyanates is due to change in 2023. Diisocyanates are a key chemical component used in polyurethane products. However, they're considered 'potential human carcinogens' meaning they could negatively impact workers’ health if not handled properly. Diisocyanates can be found in many foam and adhesive products, meaning any change to the regulation is vital information for the supply chain and the end user market.
Navigating Global Disruptions and Mitigating Risk for the Foam and Adhesive Supply Chains
Date posted: 2022
On Tuesday, 17 May, experts across the foam and adhesives supply chains discussed the latest swathe of supply chain disruptions. War in Ukraine has led to the destabilisation of Europe’s supply chains as many free trade routes have now been closed, in addition, sanctions have been placed on oil and gas imports from Russia. This is not to mention the continued effects of COVID-19 and China’s zero-tolerance policy, which has led to further delays in European imports.
Picking Up Good Vibrations
Date posted: 2021
Passenger experience is of paramount importance to the design of any mobility application. Whilst experience can translate into many forms, one of the most pressing is that of acoustic management. As transportation undergoes continuous improvement and adjusts to the needs of the market so too does the requirements of acoustic management methods.
Curbing Carbon Emissions: Innovation and Unity in the Face of Climate Change
Date posted: 2021
The European Union (EU) continues to enforce an environmentally conscious economic strategy. Simply put “the EU has set itself the goal of becoming a climate-resilient society by 2050, fully adapted to the unavoidable impacts of climate change” and the legislation to enact such a change has been further outlined by the EU as of 2021