FreeFoam - PUR Foaming

The European Commission's 7th Framework Programme has funded a "Research for the Benefit of SME Associations" project called 'FreeFoam'. The project has been focussing on reducing the health risk to workers during foam manufacturing. The project has been working to reduce the concentration of free isocyanate whilst also reducing the emission of the same into the atmosphere. 

The Consortium partners - which includes Inspiralia, CETEM and the British Furniture Manufacturers - proposes to develop a unique, homogeneous reactive mixture for PUR foaming, where reactants are separated by using functionalised microcapsules of isocyanate, which are conveniently dispersed on polyol mixture components. The Freefoam Project Results can be viewed on their website - www.freefoam-project.eu

The PUR foam industry in the UK began in 1954 and has developed rapidly since then. Their products are used in a variety of applications, from the furniture industry to the automotive industry. For more information on the PR Foam industry, please visit the BPF's Plastipedia page on the subject.

Health and Safety is of major importance to the BPF, especially relating to our activities with the SIMPL initiative.

For more information on SIMPL, please contact the BPF, whilst for further information on the FreeFoam project, please visit www.freefoam-project.eu or download the project PDF