New Technology from Dow

Dow Collaborates with Vending Machine Manufacturer to Refresh Sustainability of Refrigerated Beverage Machines

Low-Global-Warming Polyurethane Foam Insulation Helps Meet ENERGY STAR^® version 4.0, upcoming HFC regulations

MIDLAND, Mich. – June 20, 2018 – As a trusted supplier to high-quality vending machine manufacturers for over 25 years, The Dow Chemical Company created a brand new low-global-warming-potential polyurethane foam insulation solution that also delivers weight reduction and improves thermal insulation. The insulation will help a cold-drink vending machine manufacturer meet the more stringent ENERGY STAR^® version 4.0 with a solution that will be compliant with global blowing agent regulations.

The custom formulated polyurethane insulation solution’s excellent mechanical properties, good flow, and superior curing profile delivered a 15 percent weight reduction and 10 percent thermal insulation improvement over the incumbent low-global-warming-potential system, 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’s solution delivers the same or better performance with a global warming potential 99.9 percent 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.”

Polyurethane rigid foam is one of the best insulation materials available to help achieve energy efficiency targets, reduce costs and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. For companies and brand owners impacted by SNAP regulations, Dow has developed polyurethane-based solutions that will fully comply with all applicable regulations once they become law.

With decades of technical experience, Dow is proud to offer solutions to meet the specific needs of each customer and help manufacturers meet increasingly demanding energy standards in the commercial appliance industry.

About Dow Polyurethanes

Dow Polyurethanes develops and delivers a broad portfolio of technologies and customized solutions to customers in a variety of industries under its DurableScience, ComfortScience and InsulationScience category brands. Applications range from industrial and infrastructure solutions, to consumer comfort solutions in flooring, furniture bedding and footwear, to automotive solutions for vehicle interior, and energy-efficient insulation materials. The business manufactures and sells key chemical components as well as fully-formulated polyurethane systems for rigid, semi-rigid and flexible foams, and coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers and composites. Dow is the world’s largest producer of propylene oxide (PO), propylene glycol (PG), and polyether polyols, and is a leading producer of quality aromatic isocyanates, such as MDI. Striving to meet the specific needs of its customers in their local geographic regions, Dow Polyurethanes operates a global network of production sites and systems houses, as well as innovation and service centers. The business has an ongoing initiative to lead the industry in providing high-performance products that meet critical market needs and contribute to a more comfortable, healthier and resilient society. For more information, visit www.dowpolyurethanes.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.