News | June 29, 2009

Dow Continues Conversions To Zero Ozone-Depleting, No-VOC Foaming Agent Technology

Midland, MI - Dow Building Solutions has successfully converted a second facility that manufactures STYROFOAM Brand Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Foam Insulation to its new zero ozone-depleting, no-VOC (volatile organic compound) foaming agent technology. With Dow's Hanging Rock, Ohio, facility expected to begin shipments in June, Dow is well-positioned to complete the conversion of its plants in advance of the Montreal Protocol deadline. Dow converted its facility in Dalton, Ga., in March of this year.

"With our second conversion completed, and the remaining facilities on schedule, we are following through on the commitment we made to our customers more than a year ago to develop and implement a solution well ahead of the Montreal Protocol compliance deadline," said Mike McGaugh, vice president and general manager for Dow Building Solutions, North America. "Our customers can be assured of an uninterrupted supply of R-5/inch STYROFOAM Brand Insulation – our flagship franchise product that will deliver excellent performance today and 60 plus years from now."

The Montreal Protocol requires the phase-out of the hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) 142b, an ozone-depleting compound, by January 1, 2010. Dow developed its next-generation foaming agent technology well in advance of the Montreal Protocol and U.S. EPA guidelines, and is on track to convert its facilities in accordance with the phase-out deadline. Dow's new proprietary technology delivers the same STYROFOAM Brand XPS Foam Insulation R-5/inch insulation value†, moisture resistance and compressive strength that builders have trusted for more than 60 years, and offers an even "greener" choice to builders designing energy efficient homes and buildings with rigid foam insulation.

Sustainable Innovation
Dow's plant in Hanging Rock is the second one to phase out the use of ozone-depleting compound hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) 142b. The new proprietary foaming agent technology was developed by a team led by Dow's Simon P. Lee, who was recognized by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) for his contribution to the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. The zero ozone-depleting, no-VOC foaming agent technology isn't the only way that the STYROFOAM™ Brand Insulation produced at the Hanging Rock facility contributes to a more sustainable environment. Here are a few more facts:

  • When properly installed in buildings, production capacity at Hanging Rock of STYROFOAM Brand Insulation could save CO2 emissions** equivalent to:
    • Planting 900,000,000 trees;
    • Taking 110,000 cars off the road for a year;
    • Reducing vehicle travel by 1.8 trillion miles, or more than 74 million trips around the world;
    • Saving approximately 90 billion gallons of gasoline or U.S. $180B.
  • The new technology has not affected Dow's ability to recycle scrap STYROFOAM Brand XPS Foam Insulation back into the production line either- just as its plants have for many years.
  • Recently, Dow Building Solutions' building envelope products received the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) Research Center Green Approved mark, making Dow the first to have its line of energy saving insulation and air sealing products eligible for meeting mandatory requirements or earning points under the National Green Building Standard.

Business as Usual
STYROFOAM Brand Insulation with the new foaming agent technology will sport the same famous brand-leading BLUE color with the words "zero ozone-depletion potential" on the product print mats and unit labels. Builders can easily validate the performance of STYROFOAM Brand XPS Foam Insulation made with the new technology by showing to code officials the ICC-ES report issued in January 2009. Dow will continue to offer the product's long-standing 15-year limited thermal warranty and 40-year limited reuse warranty (for STYROFOAM DECKMATE Plus). Customers supplied by the Hanging Rock plant can expect excellent product performance and uninterrupted product supply as the converted plant begins operations.

SOURCE: Dow