Methylene chloride is a foaming agent in a colourless liquid form that does not occur naturally in the environment.

For a long time this product has been widely used in the flexible polyurethane foam industry, as it can be used as a substitute for a portion of water without an increase in temperature in the manufacturing process and providing greater stability to the mixture. This condition is of vital importance in the production of low-density foams, as this type of formulation requires a quantity of water much higher than that tolerated by the foam (water in conjunction with TDI is the main cause of exothermicity) leading to assured combustion or collapse, that is, it is impossible to manufacture light foams with formulations without foaming agents.

Methylene chloride: why don’t we use it in our products?

Everything comes from its toxicity to human health, the environmental risks and the regulatory restrictions it has, as it is a raw material prohibited in most countries of the European Union. For this reason, at Interplasp we opt for alternatives that reflect our proactive approach to quality, safety and health, both environmental and human.

Why don’t we use it and other companies do?

In this context, some companies continue to use this foaming agent for low densities despite its possible harmful effects, due to the need to maintain the full range of densities. At Interplasp, however, thanks to the use of VPF technology, we can completely dispense with this compound.

The vacuum that VPF technology is able to generate during the manufacturing process reduces the pressure exerted on the surface of the foam, allowing it to grow with less resistance, making it possible to manufacture the entire range of foams, without the need to use foaming agents that improve the stability of the foam and with a smaller amount of water, alleviating the effects of atmospheric pressure.

What does it mean that our products are foamed in this way?

The impact resulting from the release of methylene chloride gas affects both the people who manufacture it and the end customers and the environment. This compound evaporates both in the manufacturing process and in the secondary reactions associated with the curing process, influencing all surrounding elements.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), methylene chloride is classified as a possible carcinogen in humans.

If we talk about the environmental impact, the methylene chloride released into the air can persist in it up to 50% for the next 120 days. And, although it does not dissolve in water, it can be deposited in it, causing contamination in it, which also poses a risk to health.

What is the trend in the use of foaming agents?

The use of this type of foaming agent is increasingly falling into disuse due to the serious damage they cause and the growing social awareness, but unfortunately we can still find them on the market.

That is why, at Interplasp, we opt for VPF technology, a cleaner and more sustainable technology that is presented as a quality, safe and efficient alternative for this type of foaming agent, respecting our commitment to keep the use of chemicals to a minimum, protecting the environment and people’s health.