EU Flexible PU Foam Industry Paves the Way for Low Carbon Foams
The European Union has set itself the objective to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, decoupling economic growth from resource use. It has embarked on an ambitious journey to revise all public policies in areas as varied as agriculture, construction, […]
REACH Restriction on Formaldehyde Released from Articles
On 13 February, EU Member States approved the text of a REACH Restriction 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 Commission Proposes EU-wide Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) for Diisocyanates
Diisocyanates are – together with polyols – the main building blocks of polyurethanes. The two diisocyanates used in the production of flexible polyurethane foam are TDI (Toluene diisocyanate) and – to a lesser extent – MDI (Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate). Diisocyanates – when not handled properly – can cause health issues, such as skin or eye […]
Supply Situation Improves / Prices of Raw Materials Historically High
Even though gas prices in Europe have receded compared to the summer, they remain historically high and volatile in Europe, creating difficulties for the entire chemicals industry, in which gas is used both as a raw material and as a source of energy. As reported by CEFIC, the European Chemical Industry Council, in October of […]
Reduced European Production of Raw Materials Results in Slabstock Foam Shortages
Shortage of TDI (Toluene Diisocyanate) – one of the main raw materials used to make flexible polyurethane foam – is, again, disturbing the supply of flexible polyurethane foam to downstream markets such as upholstered furniture and mattresses across Europe. In the past weeks, none of the three TDI manufacturing facilities in Europe have been operating, […]
Seven more companies join EUROPUR in May and June!
We have reported in April that 6 companies have joined our association in 2022. Since then, seven more companies became members of EUROPUR, totaling 13 new members this year only, and more than a 100 in total. Together, our members operate >70% of the PU foam plants in wider Europe and produce around 1,1 million tonnes of […]
EUROPUR & EURO-MOULDERS Conference 2022: The European Flexible PU Foam Industry’s Meeting Point
Brussels, 16 June 2022 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 […]
EUROPUR Members Elect a New Board of Directors
Berlin, DE, 8 June 22 For immediate release Today, at EUROPUR’s General Assembly, members elected a new Board of Directors, for a mandate of three years. The new Board of Directors is composed of 16 members: 9 representatives of flexible polyurethane foam manufacturers, 1 representative of a national association of foam producers and 5 […]
So far EUROPUR welcomes six new members in 2022!
Home Group Home Group is a polyurethane foam produces from Ukraine primarily supplying Home Group Holdings, a major upholstered furniture producer in Europe. Click HereWakol Headquartered in Pirmasens, Germany, Wakol specializes i.a. in foam adhesives for mattresses and upholstery. Click HereDolidolDolidol brings 50-year-long expertise in manufacturing of polyurethane foam, bedding and furniture. Headquartred in Morocco, […]
Price Volatility: Flexible PU Foam is no Exception
European consumers notice it every day: inflation is hitting us all hard. The Eurozone inflation rate was 7.5% in March 2022 on a yearly basis, with some EU countries approaching the 10%. Largely linked to the international context and more particularly to oil and gas, the price of many products made with chemicals has also […]