Dow Building Solutions has announced that as of Febraury 6th, 2018, all Styrofoam Brand Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) plants in the United States have converted their operations to produce Styrofoam Brand XPS Insulation with Bluedge Polymeric Flame Retardant Technology.
As of this announcement, Dow’s introduction of Bluedge technology to Styrofoam Brand XPS foam plants across North America is now complete. Dow has introduced the Bluedge Polymeric Flame Retardant to its STYROFOAM Brand XPS insulation in phases worldwide, starting with Japan in 2014 and followed by Europe in 2015, Canada in 2016, and the United States in 2017. This approach ensured that regional quality requirements were met in each location, and that product availability met regional demand.
“Building science innovations are crucial to sustainability advancement, and we are excited to continue leading the transition to a more sustainable future as we take one more step toward a global conversion,” says Tim Lacey, general manager for Dow Building Solutions. “Our objective is straightforward -- offer more sustainable solutions that work in many environments to meet the growing demands of energy efficiency regulations and architectural design.”
The Bluedge Polymeric Flame Retardant Technology, first announced in March 2011, was developed to replace hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) as a more sustainable flame retardant solution for polystyrene foam. Its use allows extruded (XPS) and expanded (EPS) polystyrene foams to meet a wider range of energy-efficiency and sustainable building standards.
Bluedge technology is also incorporated in Emerald Innovation 3000 by Lanxess Inc., FR-122P by ICL, and GreenCrest by the Albemarle Corporation. It is available through these suppliers to any extruded polystyrene or expanded polystyrene insulation manufacturers that are transitioning away from HBCD-based flame retardants.
Dow continues to make progress towards its 2025 Sustainability Goals, through which it plans to achieve its goal of “Safe Chemistry for a Sustainable Planet”. It has recently announced 100% renewable energy procurement for Styrofoam XPS Insulation in North America, as well as the validation that Styrofoam XPS Insulation products in North America contain, on average, 20% pre-consumer recycled content.
In May 2017, Dow was named a Safer Choice Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its commitment to innovation, and specifically for the Bluedge Polymeric Flame Retardant. The company also announced a partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council earlier this year, in which it will work to develop more sustainable building solutions.
