Based on sustainable raw materials, a new PU foam technology for car interior applications is now available from FoamPartner (Wolfhausen / Switzerland; www.foampartner.com). Under the guiding principle of upcycling, raw materials made from chemical industry by-products are used to make “OboNature” products. FoamPartner has not disclosed the type of materials, but it says the products require 20% fewer petrochemical intermediates. The sustainable proportion of the foam is more than 13%.

The foams reportedly have multiple advantages. The three products currently available can be processed around 5-10% faster and offer reduced foam thicknesses. The finely pored "OboSky Nature 3540 T" foam for headliners meets top requirements for elongation at break and tensile strength while offering good thermoformability for critical radii. "OboTrim Nature 3540 T" for interior door panels and armrests has less finer pores offers enhanced recovery after thermal compression. "OboSeat Natur 3540 T" has good processing properties and is easy to sew, the company said.

FoamPartner noted that it opened a processing centre for foam products in Duderstadt / Germany in the spring (see Plasteurope.com of 22.07.2020).