look what we did!Innovations From Polyurethane Manufacturers

Polyurethane in the Fight Against the Coronavirus

The novel coronavirus has required an “all hands on deck” approach from both the public and private sector when it comes to fighting the spread of the disease and safeguarding citizens. The polyurethane industry has been no exception. Here are just a few of the ways polyurethane manufacturers from around the U.S. are contributing to the effort.

Mattress Manufacturers

Foam mattresses made with polyurethane account for a large and growing percentage of the mattress market. With the spread of the novel coronavirus, hospitals at or near capacity have been clamoring for badly needed supplies. To meet the need and growing...

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Polyurethane Is Hitting the Mat with Cheerleaders

Thanks to the recent popularity of a streaming docuseries, there is now an even more fervent interest in the sport of cheerleading. While it may not be at the front and center of cheer routines or at pep rallies, polyurethane is behind the scenes doing its part to help cheerleaders be safer. At the amateur, high school and college levels, polyurethane has become a familiar fixture at practices and competitions.

Mats

Often, a mat is the only thing that separates these high-flying and tumbling athletes from the hard ground. Today, many gym mats used in cheerleading are made using polyurethane....

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Polyurethane Gear Keeps You Warm This Winter

Whether you’re planning to carve up the slopes on a hardcore ski weekend getaway or just taking the dog for her morning constitutional, it’s cold out there. Luckily, polyurethane is here to do its part to keep you warm. No matter your level of aerobic activity or how long you plan to stay outdoors, there is some polyurethane winter wear or gear that is sure to be right for you.

Gloves

While providing protection against water and wind, polyurethane gloves also provide improved dexterity, grip and comfort for the wearer. Plus, gloves can be manufactured to be seamless, helping to...

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The Polyurethane Story Behind Wisconsin’s Famed Foam Cheeseheads®

In 1987, Ralph Bruno hacked into the upholstery of his mother’s couch cushion. From the torn fabric, he pulled out the foam insert, sculpting it using a turkey carving knife into the shape of a triangular cheese wedge. He then added an inverted dome on the bottom of his creation so that it would fit atop his head. Later, he put holes in the foam to make the wedge vaguely resemble Swiss cheese and painted the entire thing a yellow-orange hue — like American cheese. 

The Reception

Bruno proudly wore his homemade headwear to a Milwaukee baseball game in response...

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In Hollywood, It’s Lights, Camera, Polyurethane!

In response to a demand from audiences for objects and scenery that look real, today prop houses, set designers and costumers are busier than they have been in years. Polyurethane is helping these creative artisans achieve the kind of authenticity on the big screen that movie-going audiences both desire and demand.

A CGI Backlash

For the past few decades, Hollywood has been experiencing a renaissance driven by computer-generated imagery (CGI). As the years have progressed, the technology has grown more and more advanced. Through CGI, it’s now possible to create huge cityscapes, entire worlds and — of course — all...

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2019 Polyurethane Innovation Award Honors Carbon’s New Football Helmet Technology

Polyurethane was first introduced in the 1930s. Since that time, it has gone on to impact and improve daily life for much of the world. Today, the bounds of polyurethane innovation continue to be pushed ever forward, thanks to the men and women working to bring the world the next big polyurethane scientific breakthrough.

The Polyurethane Innovation Award 

Each year, the Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) hosts the Polyurethane Innovation Award. The award highlights the role innovation plays in the polyurethane industry, recognizing the companies and individuals whose vision and perseverance help bring new products, technologies and initiatives to...

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Polyurethane Helps Make It a Spooktacular Halloween

In the race to have the spookiest house on the block, homeowners are deploying polyurethane-based decorations in their front yards. From jack-o-lanterns to witches to monsters of all kinds, polyurethane is showing up in all manner of Halloween home décor.

Decoration Spending Is Up

According to the National Retail Federation, Americans spent more than $9 billion in 2018 on Halloween. Of that amount, decorations was one of the largest spending categories, outpacing even candy sales.

This may be because in the spirit of one-upmanship, homeowners are turning to ever more elaborate decorations. Buyers in the market want home décor that...

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Shoemakers Turn to Polyurethane for Sustainable Manufacturing Solutions

To reduce waste, the footwear industry is embracing new polyurethane manufacturing solutions. Several manufacturers are introducing recyclable PU footwear and PU components used in the manufacturing process that can be generated from renewable resources like plant-based materials.

A Completely Recyclable TPU Running Shoe

Adidas has announced plans for The Futurecraft Loop; a shoe made entirely from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The whole sneaker right down to the laces is constructed using TPU and is completely recyclable.

At the end of their useful life, the Futurecraft Loop are simply boxed up and sent back to Adidas. Once at the production facility, the...

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Polyurethane Helps Motorcyclists Hit the Open Road

Warmer weather means more opportunities for motorcyclists to head out on the highway. Consider this roundup of ways that polyurethane is making the ride safer and more comfortable for motorcycle enthusiasts.

Clothing

In case of a spill, you want to put as many layers as possible between you and the road. This is the reason that many motorcyclists opt for leather jackets and pants, but enterprising manufacturers have taken it one step further. Today, a variety of pants, jackets and vests made specifically for riding contain rigid polyurethane inserts. Not only do these articles of clothing look like modern armor,...

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