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Dow Chemical Creates New Foam Insulation For Refrigerated Beverage Machines

MIDLAND, MI -- Dow Chemical Co. said it has worked with an undisclosed vending machine manufacturer to create a new low-global-warming-potential polyurethane foam insulation solution that also delivers weight reduction and improves thermal insulation. Dow said the insulation will help a cold-drink vending machine manufacturer meet the more stringent Energy Star version 4.0 with a solution compliant with global blowing-agent regulations. The custom-formulated polyurethane insulation solution's mechanical ...

June 20, 2018

MIDLAND, MI -- Dow Chemical Co. said it has worked with an undisclosed vending machine manufacturer to create a new low-global-warming-potential polyurethane foam insulation solution that also delivers weight reduction and improves thermal insulation.

Dow said the insulation will help a cold-drink vending machine manufacturer meet the more stringent Energy Star version 4.0 with a solution compliant with global blowing-agent regulations.

The custom-formulated polyurethane insulation solution's mechanical properties, flow and curing profile reportedly delivered a 15% weight reduction and 10% thermal insulation improvement over the incumbent low-global-warming-potential specification, helping ensure the cold drink vending machines meet the qualifications for Energy Star version 4.0.  

Compared to competitive solutions using hydrofluorocarbon foam blowing agents, Dow said that its new solution delivers the same or better performance with a global warming potential 99.9% lower, providing a more sustainable solution that will be compliant with upcoming global regulations on foam blowing agents.   

"We know how challenging it can be for companies and brand owners to keep up with U.S. Department of Energy standards, SNAP regulations and end-user requirements," said Robert York, market manager for Dow Polyurethanes. "Dow is fully committed to staying ahead of these changes, and bringing more sustainable, SNAP compliant formulations to the marketplace for our customers."

According to Dow, polyurethane rigid foam is one of the best insulation materials available to help achieve energy efficiency targets, reduce costs and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.