Shepherd Chemicals Receives 2016 Polyurethane Innovation Award

The American Chemistry Council's Center for Polyurethane Industry (CPI) (ACC) announced today that the Shepherd Chemical Company's BiCATs 8840 and 8842, water-stable bismuth-catalyzed polyurethane formulations, have won a 2016 Polyurethane Innovation Award. Shepherd's winning entry, one of three finalists, was announced at the end of the 2016 Polyurethane Technology Conference in Baltimore, Maryland.

"CPI congratulates Shepherd Chemicals for winning the 2016 Polyurethane Innovation Award," said Salamone, senior director of CPI. "Shepherd's new application of polyurethane chemistry shows how innovation in our industry can have ripple effects throughout the value chain. This award-winning technology exemplifies the transformative power of polyurethane."

BiCATs 8840 and 8842 offer industry-new vulcanizing agents that allow formulations to improve environmental impact while reducing cure times for spray foam polyol solutions with HFO blowing agents.

"Shepherd Chemical is delighted to be recognized by CPI and ACC as the recipient of the 2016 Polyurethane Innovation Award," said Rob Hart, Director of Research and Development at Shepherd Chemical. "Our new HFO-compatible, water-soluble bismuth catalysts, BiCATs 8840 and 8842, allow formulations to further reduce the environmental impact and deliver the safety, comfort and efficiency of polyurethanes. It is humble to be chosen for consideration during the meeting by the Dow and the Huntsman winners for launching impressive inventions. Our industry's continued commitment to innovation and sustainable research and development - and CPI's leadership in this regard - is an inspiration to us all. Shepherd is honored accept this award with pleasure.”

This year's Polyurethane Innovation Award finalists also include Dow's Walla Snore stack for ultra-high airflow and moisture-wicking foam technology used in bedding applications, and Huntsman's VITROXHC 98010 polyol with SUPRASEC 9801 isocyanate, in The resin solution lite structure used in the bright chassis "Zenos E10 Roadster.

"Every year, I am impressed by the breakthrough technologies submitted to the Innovation Awards," Salamone said. "Our finalists this year are truly cutting edge, the culmination of years of dedication and research, clearly defined. I can't wait to see the incredible innovations submitted for consideration next year."