"When judging whether a cushion is comfortable or not, we do not draw our conclusion merely based on the softness of the cushion, rather, we take into consideration a series of factors including comfort, safety, and durability. Huntsman regards it is crucial to achieve a well-balanced solution to succeed in the market. "said Mr. Lane Ding, Commercial Director of Huntsman Polyurethanes China, on UTECH Asia 2011.
He explained that the MDI slabstock foam technology showcased by Huntsman at the exhibition is developed to meet multiple needs in the current cushion market.
With the outstanding performance of high SAG factor, rebound resilience, permeability and low hysteresis loss, Huntsman's MDI slabstock foam technology offers a wide variety of solutions which, based on high comfort slabstock foam of excellent elasticity, provide a better feel (at low load) and better support (at high load).
Mr. Eric Wang, Commercial Manager of Auto/Flexible Foam Industry from Huntsman Polyurethanes China, said: "Consumers nowadays set higher requirements for comfort. In this regard, MDI slabstock foam can meet market demands better and has performance superior to other substitute materials in terms of SAG factor, resilience, rebound permeability, hysteresis loss and aging properties."
Moreover, Huntsman MDI slabstock foam is also safer and cleaner: it requires no tin catalyst and features low VOC (≤24μg/m3), which is much lower than the limit of 500 μg/m3 set by EU. By now, the European PU foam industry has released a non-official standard, the CertiPUR, for the polyurethane flexible foams in cushions and furniture.
The standard sets provisions for the limits of hazardous substances, banned substances, and discharge of VOCs. The EU also established a scheme called "The Eco-label" which, as an independent non-official certification, is attached to cushion products. "To get greener and more environment-friendly has become a new trend in the cushion industry.
Users are paying more attention to such things as indoor air quality, allergens, and whether any hazardous substance is released from a cushion. Against this background, the stricter the control in the industry, the more advantageous the MDI slabstock foam technology will appear to be. We are confident that more Chinese cushion manufacturers, especially those with a global vision, will favor our technology." said Mr. Eric Wang.
With more than 20 years of experience in developing MDI slab stock, polyol additives and formulation design, Huntsman dedicates itself to providing solutions that have less impact on environment and deliver better cost optimization for its customers. "Featuring high and slow rebound resilience, slabstock foam technologies can be used in multiple production facilities for the manufacturing of products falling into a wide range of specifications using general materials.
It is an economical and feasible cushion solution for manufacturers,"concluded Mr. Eric Wang, "the service life of products extends and the environmental impact of abandoned products lessens as a result of the enhancement of product comfort and durability. All standards are properly linked with one another and the secret of success lies in good balance."
About Huntsman:
Huntsman is a global manufacturer and seller of differentiated chemicals. Its operating companies manufacture products for a variety of global industries, including chemicals, plastics, automotive, aviation, textiles, footwear, paints and coatings, construction, technology, agriculture, health care, detergent, personal care, furniture, appliances and packaging.
Originally known for pioneering innovations in packaging and, later, for rapid and integrated growth in petrochemicals, Huntsman today has more than 12,000 employees and operates from multiple locations worldwide. The Company's revenue in 2010 exceeded $9 billion.
About Huntsman Polyurethanes:
Huntsman Polyurethanes (HPU) is a leading producer of MDI – a key ingredient in the production of polyurethanes and also manufactures flexible and rigid polyethers, polyesters, polyether amines, polyurea amines, propylene oxide, polyols, fully formulated polyurethane systems and TPUs for the automotive, footwear, coatings & adhesives, construction, furniture, appliances and packaging industries.
HPU has 2, 400 employees worldwide serving over 3,500 customers in more than 90 countries throughout the world. In 2010, the division's revenues exceeded US$ 3.6 billion.