Dec 6 2007 9:31AM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (0) |
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Dow announced yesterday that it developed a next-generation foaming agent technology that will allow it to manufacture its venerable Styrofoam R5-per-inch insulation without the use of hydrochloro-fluorocarbon (HCFC) 142b, an ozone-depleting compound that U.S. and Canadian regulations under the Montreal Protocol require be phased out by January 1, 2010 in North America, with a non-ozone depleting compound. Read the EPA report here.

“Our Styrofoam brand is one of the most trusted and recognized brands in the building and construction industry, and our investment in developing a replacement foaming agent technology reflects our commitment to our customers, the industry, and the brand,” said Torsten Kraef, Dow Building Solutions president and general manager. “By developing this solution well-ahead of North American compliance deadlines, we can assure our customers of an uninterrupted supply of Styrofoam R5/inch insulation..."

So, don't panic. Nothing's changing. You'll still have your good old blue insulation, now it'll just be less Earth-poisony. But in all seriousness, Dow has set forth on a 2015 program called "Sustainability Goals for Addressing Climate Change" to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Forget the Bush Administration and Kyoto, Dow! I like seeing a huge company like Dow take a vested interest in changing the way they do things. Now if we can only get China on board...