Midland, MI - November 12, 2009
Dow Building Solutions announced today that it has converted its facility in Joliet, Illinois, that manufactures STYROFOAM™ Brand Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Foam Insulation to its new zero ozone-depleting (ODP), no-VOC (volatile organic compound) foaming agent technology.
"Dow has invested significant resources in developing this new, more sustainable foaming agent technology and is committed to helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as outlined in our 2015 Sustainability Goals," said Torsten Kraef, Business Group vice president, Dow Building and Construction. "Green builders and architects are well aware of how effective foam insulation is in reducing energy consumption in buildings. Now, with our new, non-ODP foaming agent technology, we are that much closer to achieving our sustainability goals."
Dow has successfully converted four facilities to its new foaming agent technology, and is well- positioned to have completed its conversion plans before the Montreal Protocol deadline of January 1, 2010. The Montreal Protocol requires the phase out of hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) 142b, an ozone-depleting compound. Dow has also converted its facilities in Varennes, Quebec, Hanging Rock, Ohio, and Dalton, Ga.
"We're getting very close to completion and are really pleased with how the conversions have gone so far," said Mike McGaugh, general manager for Dow Building Solutions, North America. "With the Montreal Protocol deadline still a few months away, we are already providing our customers with high-performance insulation products that meet the new guidelines."
Dow developed its next-generation foaming agent technology well in advance of the Montreal Protocol and U.S. EPA guidelines, and is on track to convert its facilities in accordance with the phase-out deadline. Dow's new proprietary technology delivers the same STYROFOAM™ Brand XPS Foam Insulation R-5/inch insulation value†, moisture resistance and compressive strength that builders have trusted for more than 60 years, and offers an even "greener" choice to builders designing energy efficient homes and buildings with rigid foam insulation.
Sustainable Innovation
The new proprietary foaming agent technology was developed by a team led by Dow's Simon P. Lee, who was recognized by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) for his contribution to the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. The zero ozone-depleting, no-VOC foaming agent technology isn't the only way that the STYROFOAM™ Brand Insulation produced at the Joliet facility contributes to a more sustainable environment. Here are a few more facts:
- When properly installed in buildings, production capacity at Joliet of STYROFOAM™ Brand Insulation could save CO2 emissions** equivalent to:
- Planting 1.1 billion trees;
- Reducing vehicle travel by 2.2 trillion miles or more than 88 million trips around the world;
- Saving approximately 110 billion gallons of gasoline or U.S. $220 billion ($2/gallon).
- The new technology has not affected Dow's ability to recycle scrap STYROFOAM™ Brand XPS Foam Insulation back into the production line either- just as its plants have been doing for many years.
- Dow Building Solutions' building envelope products have received the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) Research Center Green Approved mark, making Dow the first to have its line of energy saving insulation and air sealing products eligible for meeting mandatory requirements or earning points under the National Green Building Standard.
Business as Usual
STYROFOAM™ Brand Insulation with the new foaming agent technology will sport the same famous brand-leading BLUE™ color with the words "zero ozone-depletion potential" on the product print mats and unit labels. Builders can easily validate the performance of STYROFOAM™ Brand XPS Foam Insulation made with the new technology by showing to code officials the ICC-ES report issued in January 2009. Customers supplied by the Joliet, Illinois, plant can expect excellent product performance and uninterrupted product supply as the converted plant begins operations.
About Dow Building Solutions
Dow Building Solutions has a 60+ year legacy of providing energy saving solutions to the global commercial and residential construction industry, which began with the launch of its flagship STYROFOAM™ Brand Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Foam Insulation, one of the most recognized brands of insulation in the world. A market-facing business unit of The Dow Chemical Company, Dow Building Solutions offers building science expertise to help builders, designers, architects and home/building owners reduce energy costs and protect against wind, rain and moisture, while contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. More information about Dow Building Solutions can be found at www.dowbuildingsolutions.com
About Dow
For Editorial Information:
Jan McKinnon
The Dow Chemical Company
1-519-541-0336
Marissa Peterson
Gibbs & Soell Public Relations
1-212-697-2600
mpeterson@gibbs-soell.com