look what we did!Innovations From Polyurethane Manufacturers

CO2 Emissions Turned into Footwear

Science is about solving problems. Scientists at Novomer “hit the ground running” when they developed a catalyst that recycles greenhouse gasses and turns them into a flexible, durable polyurethane material that can be used to cushion the base of a great athletic shoe! Using recycled materials containing captured CO2 emissions to create a comfortable, high performance shoe is quite an achievement.

In our new shoes, we’re taking big steps in the right direction with the help of polyurethane.

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How Polyurethane Changed the Game

This summer featured an excellent and entertaining display of our best athletes and proud patriotism around the world. While you were cheering for your favorite teams and athletes, you may have missed one of this year’s most impressive stars on the field: the field itself.

DOW Chemical teamed up with Polytan STI to produce a new type of synthetic grass used for the field hockey matches this summer. What was the key element to this incredible chemical innovation? Polyurethane, of course. The polyurethane and polyethylene in the “grass” gave athletes a water-resistant surface with more consistency, which allowed...

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Polyurethane Shimmers, Shines, and Stands Out from the Crowd

Why wear just any dress when you can wear one that illuminates? Covestro’s latest invention will shimmer and sparkle at the K2016 Plastics Trade Fair – quite literally. A new, flexible and formable thermoplastic polyurethane is bringing together innovation and fashion to create cutting-edge, smart clothing.

Typically, LED-emitting electronic systems were positioned on panels or strips instead of directly on fabrics. However, Covestro discovered a way for copper to be laminated onto polyurethane films which – because of the incredible properties of polyurethane, could then be laminated directly onto fabrics! This technology offers greater design flexibility and...

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Polyurethane Heads Back to School and On to the Track

School officials in Challis, Idaho, are getting a head start in their district this year by installing a new, all-weather track that includes polyurethane. The students of Challis High School will soon experience a rubberized and durable track this upcoming school year thanks to polyurethane!

When school officials decided to change the existing outdoor track since it did not meet state standards, they chose one with polyurethane as the right and best investment. Looking for a durable track that would require little maintenance, school officials began phase one of constructing the polyurethane surface.

An additional polyurethane structural spray...

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The Spandex Factor

Once scientists realized polyurethane could be spun into fine threads, it wasn’t long before continued innovations led to the creation of spandex fibers. According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, spandex is a long chain synthetic polymer comprised of at least 85% of segmented polyurethane.

Polyurethane fibers are often characterized by their durability and flexibility. With exceptional stretch and recovery properties, polyurethane fibers can be found in a variety of textile applications ranging from apparel to healthcare.

Whether you’re suiting up for a run— or bandaging a scraped knee from that run —polyurethane will continue to be there for...

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Buckle Up the Kids, and Polyurethane, for a Trip to the Beach

A family vacation to the beach is incomplete without polyurethane. Here’s how polyurethane can improve your trip to the beach this summer:

You put down a beach towel or mat to avoid getting sandy. Thanks to specially woven polyurethane, a sandless beach mat will save you from being covered in sand. If any sand falls on the mat, it simply filters through. That’s pretty incredible!

Originally made from plywood, skim boards are now lightweight and more durable because of polyurethane foam cores. Weighing in at around 3 lbs. —compared to 20 lbs....

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Polyurethane Embarks on the High Seas

High-tech sailing takes on new waters! Evonik, a specialty chemical company, has joined forces with German-Danish sailing duo Team Gaebler to build the first SpeedFoiler catamaran. This state-of-the-art catamaran will almost fly over the water thanks to a revolutionary design and lightweight materials.   Their partnership with Evonik resulted in an exceptional catamaran, the SpeedFoiler, which is ultra-lightweight with the help of polyurethane materials.

Polyurethane properties are so flexible and versatile, they allow for quicker production times in the stages of applying binders and laminates. So not only are the boats speedy to drive – they’re...

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European Football’s Featured Player: Polyurethane

Have you experienced the exciting energy of a European football game, also commonly known as a soccer game in the United States? The UEFA European Championship, happening now in France through July 10, exemplifies the essence of the beautiful game and its official match ball.

Materials supplier Covestro and sports goods manufacturer Adidas teamed up to develop the European Championship ball and made sure this game ball was as durable as it was beautiful—which means polyurethane was a key player in this process! The creation of this year’s ball marks the 30^th anniversary of Covestro’s and Adidas’ collaboration on ball...

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Grip the Mat with Polyurethane

Namaste and happy National Yoga Day! Time to unwind your mind and unroll your mat. Have you ever wondered how you can maintain a good grip on your yoga mat through all those poses? Wonder no more, and give thanks to polyurethane in your meditation today.

Most yoga mats have a polyurethane coating, which protects the surface from slippery interruptions to your vinyasa flow. Its durable components prevent wear and tear during even your most intense practices.

Plus, all of your favorite yoga clothes that stay cool through 100 degree bikram classes are likely made of fabric with...

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