Polyurethanes (PUs) are an extremely flexible and widely used class of industrial polymers. U.S. production rates were close to three million tons in 2016,1 and globally the polyurethane market is expected to be worth approximately $95 billion by 2028.2
PUs are made by reacting polyols with diisocyanates or polyisocyanates. This chemistry has inherent versatility with a wide range of both types of monomers available for use. Over decades, polymer scientists have learned how to control and manipulate PU chemistry to deliver plastics optimized for applications ranging from insulation for buildingsand fridges/freezers, to furniture and underlay, footwear and coatings. However, as with most polymers, PUs are traditionally made from fossil fuel-based building blocks.