Novomer Names Quimidroga Distributor of Converge® Polyols in Iberia and Turkey

Novomer Inc., a sustainable materials company pioneering a family of high-performance polymers and other chemicals from renewable feedstocks such as carbon dioxide (CO2), has named Barcelona-based Quimidroga s.a., a leading distributor of specialty products, industrial chemicals, and plastics, as an authorized distributor of Converge® polypropylene carbonate (PPC) polyols in Spain, Portugal, and Turkey.

Quimidroga will distribute commercial quantities of Novomer’s new 1000 and 2000 molecular weight Converge® PPC polyols for use in polyurethane formulations targeted at adhesive, coatings, sealants, elastomers, and rigid and flexible foams. The distribution agreement represents Novomer’s commercial entry into Quimidroga’s markets.

“We’re pleased to establish this distribution relationship with Quimidroga which has a leading position in the polyurethane industry and we look forward to expanding our reach in their key markets, “said Peter Shepard, Chief Business Officer for Novomer Inc. Novomer recently announced the commercial introduction of Converge® PPC polyols which are designed to replace conventional petroleum-based polyether, polyester, and polycarbonate polyols.

Quimidroga has a broad product portfolio serving the polyurethane industry and is well established in the Iberian Peninsula, according to Shepard. Quimidroga will provide all support services including technical marketing, account management, application development, customer service, warehousing, and logistics.

“We welcome this new distribution arrangement which expands our portfolio options for customers,” said Antoni Feliu, business director for polyurethanes for Quimidroga. “Novomer’s breakthrough polyol technology has attracted wide attention and we see strong opportunities for these materials in the region.”

Converge® polyols are based on the co-polymerization of carbon dioxide (CO2) and epoxides and the resulting products contain more than 40% by weight CO2. The use of waste CO2 as a significant raw material yields a product with an extremely low carbon footprint. In addition, since waste CO2 is significantly lower in cost than conventional petroleum-based raw materials, Converge® polyol manufacturing costs are favorable compared to conventional polyols when produced at full commercial scale.

In terms of performance, Novomer's Converge® polyols have a unique polycarbonate backbone which increases the strength and durability of polyurethane products. Incorporating these new polyols into existing formulations yields foams with higher tensile and tear strength, and increased load bearing capacity; adhesives and coatings with improved adhesion, cohesive strength, and weatherability; and elastomers with greater tensile and flexural strength.

Source: Novomer