Solstice Advanced Materials has reached a development milestone for a next-generation foam blowing agent and plans to begin sampling the candidate with selected global customers in early 2027. The technology is intended for insulating foams used in building insulation, appliances, insulated panels and other rigid foam products.
The developmental candidate is designed to provide thermal performance, nonflammability, low global warming potential and approximately zero ozone depletion potential. According to Solstice’s internal evaluation, the candidate would not be classified as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The company also states that it would not form trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in the atmosphere or contribute to its environmental accumulation.
During the sampling program, Solstice will work with selected customers to evaluate formulation compatibility, processing behavior and application-specific requirements. Target applications include spray polyurethane foam, appliance insulation, insulated panels, boardstock and other rigid foam products.
Solstice will continue supporting its existing foam blowing agent portfolio while developing the new candidate. According to the company, its existing technologies have demonstrated potential insulation performance improvements of up to 25% in polyisocyanurate boardstock and 56% in spray polyurethane foam systems compared with certain conventional blowing agents. In appliance insulation, Solstice technologies have demonstrated potential refrigerator energy consumption reductions of up to 10% compared with hydrocarbon-based blowing agents.
“Customers have been very interested in foam blowing agent solutions that would not be classified as PFAS while retaining other important characteristics, and this developmental candidate reflects our commitment to innovation in support of our customers’ needs,” said Jeff Dormo, Senior Vice President, Refrigerants and Applied Solutions at Solstice.
