WALTHAM, MA - Novomer Inc. announced the commercial introduction of Converge^® polypropylene carbonate (PPC) polyols for use in polyurethane formulations targeted at adhesive, coatings, sealants, elastomers, and rigid and flexible foams. The company’s initial product offerings – 1000 and 2000 molecular weight grades – are manufactured at a multi-thousand-ton commercial-scale toll facility in Houston.

“This product introduction is a significant milestone in the commercial development of this breakthrough technology,” said Peter Shepard, Chief Business Officer for Novomer Inc. “Our successful scale-up and product launch validates the robustness of our manufacturing technology and the strong interest we’ve received from a wide range of applications in the polyurethanes market.”

Converge polyols are designed to replace conventional petroleum-based polyether, polyester and polycarbonate polyols. Based on the co-polymerization of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and epoxides, the resulting products contain more than 40% by weight CO₂. The use of waste CO₂ as a significant raw material yields a product with an extremely low carbon footprint. In addition, since waste CO₂ is significantly lower in cost than conventional petroleum-based raw materials, Converge polyol manufacturing costs are favorable compared to conventional polyols when produced at full commercial scale.

The new polyols are available globally. So far, the materials have found successful commercial use primarily in CASE (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, and Elastomers) applications. Novomer continues to work closely with several major companies on new applications for various segments of the polyurethanes industry.

Novomer is a leading materials company commercializing a family of low-cost, high-performance, sustainable polymers and other chemicals. The company's catalyst technology allows carbon dioxide and other renewable feedstocks to be cost-effectively transformed into chemical products for a wide variety of industrial markets.