This July, Monument will be producing the first batches of our new Poly-CO2 line of polyols. 

“This is a big step for Monument — and hopefully, the industry as a whole,” Rob Einterz, Monument Business Development Manager, explained. “Historically, the introduction of new technologies is often met with several barriers to entry, including processing constraints, handling concerns, and application feasibility. This technology licensed from Econic will allow us to upcycle waste carbon dioxide into polyols for high-performance materials, while eliminating a lot of those historical, manufacturing barriers to commercialization. We’re excited to be partnering with Econic and doing our small part to move the industry forward in innovation.”

The new product line is currently launching in Monument’s pilot facilities with long-term plans to upgrade to a commercial reactor agreement by next year. The move would allow our facilities to scale from one million pounds to about 10 million pounds in production.

The technology has the potential to replace as much as 30% of the fossil-based component in our polyols. While studies are still ongoing as to all the application benefits of CO2 in polyols, initial indications show greater strength, increased durability, and even some potential flame retardant properties. There are many potential uses for the product too — including high-performance foams, laminates, coatings, and elastomers that are used in products across industries such as automotive, furniture/mattress, footwear, construction, and industrial.

“The entire industry is determined to drive toward net-zero, but given how traditionally standardized this industry is, not everyone is willing to take the first leap,” Don Phillips, Vice President, Oxides explained. “Monument is always looking for new ways to innovate and expand our capabilities to better serve our customers. We saw this as an opportunity to be that role model for our industry and to show our customers that regardless of their needs, we can create new products and processes that meet them — and we can deliver positive change for the future while doing it.”