VORANOL VORACTIV Goes Beyond VOC Emission Reduction, Improving Foam Consistency and Processing Efficiency

Las Vegas - October 18, 2004

First introduced to the industry in 2001, VORANOL™ VORACTIV™ polyols from Dow were developed as a solution for foam manufacturers seeking to reduce the VOC emissions and odors caused by amine catalysts. By listening to its customers, Dow was able to incorporate added benefits that go beyond the environmental benefits of reduced amine emissions and the elimination of a formulating step for the foam manufacturer. VORANOL VORACTIV polyols eliminate the “misting” and “yellowing” caused by amine catalysts, and offer improved foam consistency and processing efficiency.

“Our customers are very excited about the added value these polyols bring to their foam operation,” says Doug Warner, business director for polyols at Dow. “When they first switched to VORANOL VORACTIV, they did it for all the right reasons. But when they experienced improvements in their foam products and processing, they were even more certain they had made the right decision.”

Dow VORANOL VORACTIV polyols exhibit improved and consistent density throughout the block, smoother side walls, and squarer and higher blocks, compared to foam made with standard polyols. This can result in greater foam yield, reduced trim waste, and ultimately, cost savings for foam manufacturers.

“Many of our customers are converting their foaming operations over to VORANOL VORACTIV,” notes Steven English, business development director, polyurethanes at Dow.

“With foam manufacturers constantly pressured to deliver differentiated performance and reduce costs, VORANOL VORACTIV can offer a significant competitive advantage.”

VORANOL VORACTIV polyols are manufactured using a proprietary Dow process that grafts the catalytic activity into the polyol. The products dramatically reduce amine emissions from polyurethane foam, resulting in reduced VOC emissions and improved factory air quality. Since catalytic activity is inherent in VORANOL VORACTIV polyols, customers can also trim a formulating step, which results in a streamlined process and reduced purchases and handling of amine catalysts.

“Reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and making it easier to work safely are priorities for Dow,” adds Warner. “VORANOL VORACTIV polyols are part of Dow’s continuing commitment to lead the industry in the effort to eliminate volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from automotive, bedding, furnishing and carpet applications.”

Dow is the world’s largest producer of polyether polyols, a leading producer of quality aromatic isocyanates (such as MDI and TDI) and a major supplier of propylene oxide, an essential component of polyether polyols. Dow’s polyurethanes products are used in rigid foams, flexible foams, adhesives, sealants, coatings, elastomers, as well as many other applications.

Dow is a leader in science and technology, providing innovative chemical, plastic and agricultural products and services to many essential consumer markets. With annual sales of $33 billion, Dow serves customers in more than 180 countries and a wide range of markets that are vital to human progress, including food, transportation, health and medicine, personal and home care, and building and construction, among others. Committed to the principles of sustainable development, Dow and its approximately 46,000 employees seek to balance economic, environmental and social responsibilities. References to “Dow” or the “Company” mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. Visit www.dow.com for more information.

For more information, visit www.dowpolyurethanes.com.

For More Information:

Dan Taylor
The Dow Chemical Company
(989) 636-5005

For Editorial Information:

Anisha Shah
Gibbs & Soell
(212) 697-2600