NREL Develops Groundbreaking Formula for Renewable, Nontoxic Polyurethane (Text Version)

The video NREL Develops Groundbreaking Formula for Renewable, Nontoxic Polyurethane describes NREL's novel chemistry for greener polyurethane, which may provide companies a drop-in solution for a range of products.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has developed a new material that could revolutionize the fashion, outdoor recreation, furniture, and automotive industries.

Polyurethane is a versatile material used as foams, sealants, and coatings in footwear, textiles, furniture and bedding, vehicles, and many other everyday items.

Traditional polyurethane production uses isocyanate—a toxic compound that can cause health effects if workers are exposed—and other petroleum-based chemicals.

NREL has developed fully renewable, non-isocyanate polyurethane polymers.

NREL's new non-isocyanate polymers are made from bio-derived oils and amino acids, which are found in vegetable oils, algae, and even waste grease―making it non-toxic and low cost to produce.

The new technology has performance properties similar to traditional petroleum-based polyurethane—without harmful impacts on health or the environment.

The process also uses carbon dioxide as a feedstock and has the potential to capture carbon emissions from power plants and even the air.

NREL's technology can help industry meet the increasing consumer demand for sustainable products and lessen the environmental impact in making many common items.

… An innovation to make our world a cleaner, healthier place.