Polyurethane Innovation Award Finalists Announced

Huntsman’s Smartlite O LTPU is a novel liquid thermoplastic urethane (TPU) for footwear midsoles that sets new circularity and performance standards. It enables the creation of low-density, high-comfort, hydrolysis-resistant midsoles with excellent rebound properties, according to CPI. Fully customizable, Smartlite O LTPU is easy to process on low-pressure standard equipment. Bio-based versions of the product are also available.

Aldirez from Incorez, a Sika Co., is an aldimine latent curing agent designed to address challenges involving moisture-cured polyurethane (PU) and polyaspartic coatings. Reacting with water before the isocyanate, it prevents the production of CO₂. The intermediate produced in this reaction then goes on to speed up the isocyanate and polyol reaction, offering significant advantages such as faster cure times, while maintaining a workable pot-life, superior aesthetics, and the ability to apply PU coatings in problematic atmospheric conditions, including high humidity and extremely low temperatures, said CPI. 

TrimVisible Bio from Woodbridge combines biogenic carbon from forest residue with high-performance PU seating foam chemistry. This exclusive technology reportedly reduces automotive seating foam’s overall global warming potential by displacing traditional urethane chemical components without compromising performance or comfort.